SRI AMAN: Sarawak plans to increase its allocation for rice cultivation and production projects within the state to enhance rice supply, thus ensuring the country's food security.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the decision follows the realisation that the RM173 million allocation from the Federal government for these projects is insufficient.
He mentioned that significant funding is necessary to provide a better irrigation system, which is crucial for increasing rice production.
"I estimate that the amount might not be enough, hence we will also be adding to the allocation for this project which requires an irrigation system because the costs are quite high," he said after a working visit to the Seed Rice Production and Processing Centre (SPPC) Stumbin on March 10.
Abang Johari said the allocation would be used to develop rice cultivation projects in the southern and northern areas of Sarawak in phases.
"The Sarawak government will provide this allocation so that we can gradually develop rice cultivation projects in the southern region, including Simunjan, Gedong, and Sri Aman, while the northern region includes Limbang, Lawas, and a part of Bekenu, each covering 10,000 hectares so far," he said.