A PADDY infrastructure development programme is expected to lead to the implementation of five planting seasons within two years in Sarawak.
The state government effort aims to modernise paddy cultivation via farm mechanisation in new and existing paddy areas with the ultimate objective of halting any further decline in the rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL).
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said under this programme, a total area of approximately 14,000 hectares has been identified in Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang Divisions.
“These areas will be developed up to tertiary infrastructure that enables the full potential of farm mechanisation and the implementation of five planting seasons within two years.
“These projects will be implemented in phases with 18 projects in Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Tg Sebekut in Betong, Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang Divisions to commence in 2025 concurrently. Meanwhile the remaining 22 projects will commence in 2026.
“Hence, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Premier for approving a scheme value of RM1 billion for the Sarawak Paddy Infrastructure Development Programme,” he said in his ministerial winding up speech on Tuesday.
Besides that, an allocation of RM46.0 million has been approved under Project Rakyat to upgrade the drainage and irrigation infrastructure in Mid-Sadong I Scheme in Lubok Punggor, Samarahan.
“The project will be awarded this month with a contract period of ten months. This project will be launched on Nov 29 by the Premier.
“Concurrently, a new project at Selepong in Sri Aman Division has been approved with an allocation of RM40 million.
“The appointment of a consultant for this project by DID Sarawak is currently in progress,” he said.
He added that under the 12th Malaysia Plan Agriculture Infrastructure Development Programme, a sum of RM3.9 million has been approved for two projects namely the Proposed Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Drainage and Irrigation Infrastructure of the Tanjung Purun Irrigation Scheme and Cadangan Skim Saliran Terkawal Kg. Mujat, Bahagian Serian.
“In order to support the paddy industry development, the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) established a dedicated Paddy Infrastructure Development Section (Seksyen Pembangunan Infrastruktur Padi ) on Sept 2 this year.
“This newly established section is responsible for planning, executing, and managing the paddy infrastructure development programme.
“Currently, the section is manned by three engineers and five assistant engineers. To ensure smooth implementation of the projects in accordance with the given quality and time, the current capacity needs to be strengthened,” he said.
He also proposed an addition of ten engineers and ten assistant engineers to be recruited and attached to this section.
“This section will be equipped with the latest infrastructure know-how to ensure the success and sustainability of the paddy industry in Sarawak,” he said.
