KAPIT – The Sungai Tunoh area in Bukit Mabong has drawn attention as a strong location for large-scale rice cultivation, with leaders pointing to its role in strengthening food security across Sarawak.
Deputy Digital Minister and Hulu Rajang Member of Parliament, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, joined Sarawak Minister of Consumer Industry, Commodities, and Rural Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, during a visit to study the area’s potential for commercial rice farming.
Datuk Wilson said settlement in Tunoh began around 1971 when early residents cleared land for agriculture. The fertile soil and suitable conditions continue to support farming activities, which makes the area well suited for expanding rice cultivation.
He added that modern farming methods and smart technology improve productivity and raise crop yields. Digital tools help farmers manage water, soil, and planting cycles with greater efficiency while increasing overall output.
The visit also highlighted the value of combining traditional farming knowledge with modern agricultural practices. Leaders believe rice farming in Tunoh supports Sarawak’s food supply while creating income opportunities for rural communities.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Bumiputera Laws and Customs) and Bukit Goram assemblyman Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, along with Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang. Their attendance reflected wider government interest in developing agriculture in rural areas.
Plans to expand rice cultivation in Tunoh align with Sarawak’s broader effort to diversify the agricultural sector. Rising demand for staple crops has increased the need for stronger local production and reduced reliance on imports.
If development moves forward, the Tunoh rice project stands to become a model for modern agriculture in Sarawak. Fertile land, community participation, and smart farming technology together form a foundation for long-term food security and rural growth.
