KUCHING: Sarawak is studying a new paddy cultivation method in Miri that does not require the replanting of paddy seeds.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the study is currently being undertaken by the private sector using its own funding, however, the government awaits the outcome to determine the effectiveness of the paddy production method.

“We are first observing whether this research will succeed or not because the paddy uses perennial seeds whereby once planted, it does not need to be replanted and will continue producing from the original seed.

“Whether it is truly viable or not, we are giving it a try,” he said when speaking at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Night held at a leading hotel here on Wednesday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari explained that this paddy seed was developed by Yunnan University where he had the opportunity to meet a professor who was a student of the researcher involved in developing new seed varieties in the Philippines.

He said that the success of this study will increase the production of rice which will be important for food security, especially for Sarawak's future preparations.

In a related development, the Sarawak Premier expressed appreciation to all Assemblymen for unanimously passing the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, which he described as important for the state’s food security.

He stressed that the move is crucial, particularly in reducing overdependence on imported rice from other countries.

“Thailand is now reducing its rice exports and are depending on Cambodia, but Cambodia still uses traditional agricultural methods which are now being affected by climate-related issues, consequently impacting paddy production,” he explained.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Ministers, Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Stakan Assemblyman and Chairman of the GPS Backbencher Night Organising Committee Datuk Hamzah Brahim, Assemblymen and other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Muhd Zulfadhli Ahmad Sharir
Translator: Nerissa Sia