THE Sarawak local traditional rice is not subject to the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522), and therefore the prices for different varieties are determined by supply and demand dynamics.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the floating price mechanism for these traditional rice varieties allows the farmers to enjoy more income and continue to remain in rice cultivation activities.
“This is important considering that rice production is still low in Sarawak at a rate of less than 5 per cent of the country’s total rice production and involves high rice production costs,” he said.
He was responding to Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor (GPS-PBB) who wanted to know during Q&A session in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today the measures taken to promote the local traditional rice with more affordable price.
In addition, Abdul Rahman said, these traditional rice varieties in Sarawak are well-known for their unique aroma, colour, texture and nutritional quality. Among the favourite varieties are Bario, Bajong, Biris and Wai.
“Thus, these rice types are categorised as a ‘premium rice’ for the niche market, which is sold above RM15 per kilogramme in the market.
“For example, the retail price of Bario rice can reach RM28 per kilogramme in Kuching, including logistics costs,” he said.
The Sarawak government, he said, has also taken serious efforts to market the rice, where the Department of Agriculture (DoA) will link the private companies with local rice farmers in certain areas to help promote the premium rice, for example through the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS).
In addition, the rice is also marketed through the Peladang e-Shop managed by the Sarawak State Farmers’ Association (PPNS), while four regional farmers’ organisations (PPK), namely PPK Batang Lupar, PPK Kalaka, PPK Meradong and PPK Daro, also played their roles in promoting the premium rice varieties.
He added that his ministry through the DoA is also exploring high-yielding rice varieties from foreign countries that can adapt to local conditions to increase rice production.
