SEBUYAU: The government has identified several sites for the development of paddy estates in Sarawak.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the matter has been agreed in principle by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, but its implementation would require some time.
“The site has been identified but yet to be finalised as we want a relatively large area which is not isolated and far.
“In terms of its implementation, it requires coordination from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and also requires the consent of the Native Customary Rights (NCR) land owners,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Program Santuni Rakyat held at SK Haji Bujang here, today (Sept 17).
Zahid said the estates will be managed by the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA) and modeled after the paddy cultivation plan by Muda Agriculture Development Board.
“The type of padi to be planted will be according to the suitability of the land in Sabah and Sarawak. I think the cost here is quite high, but that is a different matter, what is important is that there must be self-sufficiency for rice supply,” he said.
FELCRA, he said, will need about 50,000 hectares of land to ensure its successful implementation in the state.
Also present at the function were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang; Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli and FELCRA chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub.
