Kuching: The federal government has allocated RM129 million for Sarawak to implement programmes and projects under the national food security agenda throughout 2025. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup announced that the allocation includes 61 major development projects such as the development of the padi and rice industries in Lundu and Batang Lupar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, RM36.7 million was also approved under the Land Use Optimisation Programme, which involves the implementation of 12 projects under Phase 1 and Phase 2. The allocation and implementation of this strategic project reflect a strong agreement between the federal government and the Sarawak government to support and strengthen the national food security agenda in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

The announcement came in a statement released after the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Padi Conference held in Kuching. The conference, themed "Padi Wave Towards National Food Security," aimed to present the latest information on findings in padi and rice research and development. It also sought to enhance collaboration between policymakers, researchers, farmers, industry players, and entrepreneurs from across the country.