By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 17: Idle village lands in Kuala Rajang have been transformed into productive paddy fields through Sarawak’s land loan model, creating a successful public-private partnership that boosts food security.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said villagers who were unable to cultivate their land due to high costs have benefited when private investors stepped in to modernise paddy cultivation with advanced machinery.
“This has generated income for both parties, as landowners earn from lease arrangements while investors reap returns from paddy production, all while increasing overall rice output in the State. It is a clear win-win model,” he said at a press conference after touring the Tanjung Manis Paddy Granary at Ta Ann Padihead today. An audio recording of the press conference was later made available to the media.
He revealed that Padihead Sdn Bhd, led by Dato KH Wong, managed to produce four tonnes of rice over two growing seasons annually, with 800 hectares of land already developed.
Abang Johari added that the Kuala Rajang area alone has the potential to expand paddy planting up to 10,000 hectares, while statewide efforts to cultivate 14,000 hectares could supply 240,000 metric tonnes of rice.
“With further expansion to 28,000 hectares by 2030, Sarawak could produce 480,000 metric tonnes and even start exporting rice,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Datu Sirai Daha, and other dignitaries. — DayakDaily
