Mohamad Asfia (centre) flanked by Idris (left) and Nur Azhar, holds up a document for a photo. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (May 9): The Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026, will be tabled at the upcoming Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s food security and coordinate the development of the padi and rice industry.

State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the Bill is among four scheduled to be tabled during the sitting beginning May 12.

“The Bill seeks to establish the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board as a statutory authority to coordinate, develop and strengthen the padi and rice industry within the state, particularly in support of food security,” he said, adding that the Bill will be tabled by State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

He said this at a press conference after chairing the pre-council meeting ahead of the DUN sitting at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today.

Mohamad Asfia also said the locality map identifies seven approved state land areas designated for padi development under the Bill.

“The land to be developed for padi cultivation will be designated areas within state land to avoid disputes over ownership,” he said.

“Padi and rice are also clearly defined, including padi or rice of any species or varieties derived from them in any form, as well as padi and rice products.”

According to him, the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board will have powers relating to the regulation of padi and rice activities, including provisions on development areas, committees, appointments and financial management.

“The salient features of the Bill include the establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board, the powers and functions of the Board, the establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Fund, and provisions relating to padi development areas,” he said.

Mohamad Asfia added that Sarawak has the authority to legislate on matters relating to agriculture and land under the Federal Constitution, subject to written laws.

Apart from the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026, other Bills to be tabled during the sitting are the Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill, 2026; Supplementary Supply (2026) Bill, 2026; and the Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2026, all to be tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Additionally, Mohamad Asfia said a ministerial motion under Standing Order 23(1)(a), namely the appointment of a Special Select Committee under Section 42(3) of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, will be presented on May 13 by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya.

Also present were Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang and DUN Secretary Nur Azhar Bujang.

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