KUCHING: Kenyalang Beras Biris, which is synonymous to the Simunjan and Gedong districts, is now available in high end supermarkets in Peninsular Malaysia.
Its foray was launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Lalaport in Kuala Lumpur today.
In an immediate reaction Batang Sadong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said Beras Biris was the pride of the residents of Simunjan and Gedong, especially rice farmers in Lubok Punggor.
It was registered as a geographical indication (GI) many years ago, alongside Beras Bario and Beras Bajong.
“It is a traditional paddy crop that is planted once a year and is only found in Simunjan District, especially in Lubok Punggor, which is located in Gedong District and under the Batang Sadong Parliamentary constituency.
“Our hope is for the residents of Simunjan and Gedong Districts to actively plant more of this paddy in the future,” she said in her Facebook page.
Last year, almost RM4 million was spent on rehabilitating the drainage system due to erosion problems.
“Our Premier has also allocated RM30 million to make the surrounding land arable. A field lab has been set up by Swinburne and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to assist in research.
“As of now, we are also in discussion with the Department of Agriculture to identify cash crops to plant during the off-season,” she added.
