By Amanda L
KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawak will intensify efforts to strengthen food security while raising the income of farming and fishing households, with the government aiming for each family involved in the sector to earn RM15,000 a month by 2030.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said the target is achievable if communities embrace modern, technology-driven agriculture and participate fully in the supply chain. He said this approach is necessary as the State works to secure a stable food future.
Building on that point, Dr Rundi stressed that food security remains the ministry’s top concern, particularly as Sarawak’s rice self-sufficiency level, at about 20 per cent, leaves it exposed to global disruptions. He warned that without stronger safeguards, events such as geopolitical tensions or climate shocks could cut off rice imports.
“To address the issue, Sarawak must protect existing paddy land through gazettement, especially as production continues to decline. The State aims to produce 450,000 tonnes of paddy annually, and a new design, build, operate and transfer model for paddy cultivation is being finalised for Cabinet approval.
“This will be complemented by the newly established Sarawak Rice and Paddy Board, which will coordinate and regulate the entire industry,” he said in a press conference after his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
With better planning in place, Dr Rundi said the State can reduce dependence on imported rice and expand downstream processing to create higher-value products. This, he noted, forms part of a broader push to transform the sector into a modern, profitable industry.
A key component of that transformation is bringing in younger farmers, as many current farming communities are ageing. To make agriculture more appealing, the ministry plans to expand agroparks, mechanisation, Internet of Things applications and modern systems for paddy, livestock, fruit and fish production.
Dr Rundi said these improvements must be matched by a shift in mindset. He urged farmers to focus on quality, adopt proven technologies and move beyond low-yield traditional practices. He pointed to pineapple, banana, grain corn and high-value fruits as crops that offer stronger returns compared to traditional reliance on oil palm.
“Building complete supply chains is crucial, noting that oil palm remains attractive not because of its price, but because of guaranteed markets and well-established industry support. Replicating this ecosystem in food-related industries, he said, will help farmers remain committed and competitive,” he added.
As part of this broader strategy, he reiterated the government’s ambition for farming households to earn RM15,000 a month by 2030. The figure includes combined income from all working family members. He said many households are already approaching this level, and continued investment in infrastructure and support programmes will allow more to benefit.
Dr Rundi said these efforts tie into Sarawak’s wider goal of becoming a high-income region. He emphasised that rural communities must share in the resulting prosperity, supported by a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector. — DayakDaily
