Sarawak: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg called on the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to supply more padi seeds to support the state's expansion of padi cultivation. He emphasised that Sarawak has vast untapped land suitable for agricultural activities, but often faces a shortage of padi seeds.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari stated that if MARDI can assist, Sarawak can cultivate large areas and produce good-quality rice. Currently, 14,000 hectares have been allocated for cultivation, with a target to produce up to 240,000 tonnes annually.

Abang Johari further explained that increasing padi cultivation is intended to lessen the heavy reliance on imported food at present. If successful, Sarawak can share the yield nationwide, reducing dependence on countries like Vietnam and Cambodia.