KUCHING – Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang has expressed firm support for Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food security, describing them as both timely and strategic in ensuring a more resilient paddy and rice industry.
Speaking during the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting, he emphasised that the initiative reflects a forward-looking approach, focusing on improved coordination and long-term planning.
He noted that stronger governance, clearer accountability, better monitoring and enhanced institutional capacity are essential to overcoming longstanding challenges in the sector.
Lo highlighted that global uncertainties such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, climate change and supply chain disruptions have underscored the importance of securing stable food sources.
He stressed that rice, as a staple food, must be prioritised to safeguard Sarawak’s resilience. He pointed out that Sarawak’s relatively low rice self-sufficiency level leaves the state heavily reliant on imports, exposing it to external risks such as price volatility and supply shortages.
“Issues such as fragmented implementation, weak coordination, irrigation challenges and low productivity underscore the need for a more structured and focused approach. If previous implementation faced limitations, then the answer is stronger coordination, better governance, improved monitoring, clearer accountability and more focused institutional capacity,” he said in response to a question from the Padungan assemblyman.
Lo explained that strengthening institutional capacity would allow for better planning, infrastructure coordination, farmer support and more effective governance.
He clarified that these efforts are aligned with existing legal frameworks and tailored to Sarawak’s specific needs and realities.
He concluded by expressing confidence that improved coordination and governance will boost productivity, support farmers and enhance Sarawak’s overall food resilience.
The assemblyman reiterated that a structured approach is key to addressing challenges and ensuring the state’s rice industry can withstand future uncertainties.
Observers believe that Sarawak’s emphasis on coordination reflects a broader strategy to reduce dependency on imports and build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
By focusing on governance and institutional strength, the state aims to secure its food supply while supporting rural communities and farmers.
