Kuching: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly today passed the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated state agency to oversee and drive the sustainable development of padi cultivation and rice production in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill was tabled by Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and was passed after 31 assemblymen participated in the debate. When tabling the bill, Dr Rundi emphasized the importance of food security as a critical priority for any nation, highlighting that access to sufficient and stable food supplies is essential for the wellbeing and livelihood of the people.

He noted that rice serves as Malaysia's primary staple food, and ensuring a consistent, adequate, and reliable supply of rice is vital to strengthening food resilience and reducing dependence on external sources, particularly in Sarawak. 'In this regard, we have taken a significant step to strengthen Sarawak's control over the padi and rice industry. This Bill is designed to empower Sarawak to manage, develop and sustain its padi and rice industry for the benefit of our people, both now and for generations to come,' he said.

Dr Rundi outlined that the bill would establish the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board as a corporate body with powers to issue licenses, collect fees, promote research, develop marketing strategies, and advise the government on policy matters related to the industry. He also mentioned that the bill would empower the State Cabinet to declare any area of state land as a 'Padi Development Area' to facilitate padi cultivation and industry development.

'I wish to emphasize that the provisions under this Bill are intended to complement the existing federal framework, particularly in strengthening the state's role in the development, coordination, and enhancement of the padi and rice industry within Sarawak,' he added.