By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 12: The proposed Sarawak Paddy and Rice Board will not contravene or supersede any provision of federal law but will instead complement existing laws and policies in advancing national food security, with particular emphasis on the needs of Sarawak.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the Bill is designed to function within the State’s constitutional and legislative competence while enabling Sarawak to exercise meaningful control over its paddy and rice industry.
He said the proposed legislation would operate in tandem with the existing legal and regulatory framework under the federal government, focusing on areas such as production planning, distribution management, farmer development, and monitoring systems.
“Food security remains one of the most critical priorities for any nation, as access to sufficient and stable food supplies is essential to the wellbeing and livelihood of the people.
“In Malaysia, the agrofood sector plays a central role in sustaining this security, with rice serving as the nation’s primary staple food. As such, ensuring a consistent, adequate, and reliable supply of rice is vital to strengthening food resilience and reducing dependency on external sources, particularly in Sarawak,” he said when tabling the Sarawak Paddy and Rice Board Bill, 2026 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Sitting today.
Dr Rundi said the Bill represents a significant step towards strengthening Sarawak’s control over the paddy and rice industry for the benefit of present and future generations.
He noted that the paddy and rice industry at the national level is currently governed under the Paddy and Rice Control Act 1994, with policy and regulatory oversight by the federal Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and operational support by Padiberas Nasional Berhad.
He stressed that the proposed State legislation seeks to strengthen Sarawak’s role in the development, coordination and enhancement of the industry within the State.
“Under the Bill, the Sarawak Paddy and Rice Board will be established as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a corporate seal, capable of acquiring and managing assets, entering legal proceedings, and carrying out functions permitted under the law. The Board will also be deemed a native under the Land Code,” he explained.
The Board will comprise a chairman, deputy chairman, key government officials, and not more than five members with expertise in both upstream and downstream sectors of the padi and rice industry. A general manager will also be appointed to oversee the administration and day-to-day management of the Board’s functions and affairs.
Among its powers, Dr Rundi said the Board will be able to issue licences, collect fees, appoint agents and experts, promote research, develop marketing strategies, commercialise research findings, protect industry interests, and advise the government on policy matters.
“The Bill also allows the Board to establish committees and delegate powers to committees, officers, or companies incorporated under the Board,” he added.
To support its operations, Dr Rundi highlighted that the Bill proposes the establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Fund, which will be controlled and administered by the Board subject to directions from the State Cabinet.
“The fund will receive all monies raised or earned by the Board and will be used to implement plans, schemes and projects, carry out the Board’s functions, pay remuneration and operational expenses, undertake lawful investments, and acquire assets necessary for the purposes of the Ordinance,” he said.
The legislation further empowers the State Cabinet to declare any State land as a “Paddy Development Area” through a Gazette order, subject to terms and conditions deemed appropriate.
The Board may independently or jointly develop such areas in accordance with the Ordinance and its regulations.
The Bill also outlines enforcement and investigation powers for authorised officers, including powers to investigate offences, access computerised data, and seize or dispose of paddy, rice, or related equipment.
Offences under the proposed law include providing false information and obstructing authorised officers, while the Board or authorised officers may also compound offences committed under the Ordinance.
In addition, the Bill provides for prosecution procedures, penalties for abetment or attempted offences, and liabilities involving bodies corporate under specified circumstances.
Dr Rundi said the Bill also creates a legal platform for the State to undertake these functions and may accommodate delegated powers from the federal government where appropriate.
“In doing so, it ensures that Sarawak can exercise meaningful control over its padi and rice industry without infringing upon federal authority, while providing legal certainty and clarity for state-led initiatives,” he said. — DayakDaily
