Local support grows for plan to make northern Sarawak a ‘rice bowl'

Borneo Post

22-05-2025

Sarawak Deputy Minister Martin Ben told the DUN on Tuesday that 11 areas totaling 4,264 hectares have been identified for modern rice cultivation. – Bernama photo
MIRI (May 22): Communities in the Limbang Division have welcomed the state government's plan to transform the region into northern Sarawak's 'rice bowl', citing its potential to boost both the economy and food security.
Limbang Malay Association chairman Mohamad Abu said the project is timely and well-suited to the region's fertile land, and it would significantly benefit the local economy, particularly the Malay community.
'We have been very supportive of this effort for a long time and there are many areas in Limbang that can be developed to be used as rice granaries in line with Sarawak's efforts to ensure improved food security.
'This project will certainly have a positive impact in empowering the economy, especially the Malay community in rural areas,' he said.
He added that this development shows northern Sarawak is not being left behind and urged locals to take advantage of new opportunities in agriculture, livestock and agro-tourism.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Datuk Martin Ben, told the State State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that 11 areas totaling 4,264 hectares have been identified for modern rice cultivation.
Of these, six areas encompassing 2,734 hectares are located in the Limbang District, while five areas totaling 1,530 hectares are in Lawas District.
Two areas – Kampung Pandam in Limbang (809 hectares) and Sundar in Lawas (300 hectares) – have already been officially gazetted for rice cultivation.
Meanwhile, Kampung Lupak Rangas resident, Ibrahim Tapa, echoed this sentiment, saying that Limbang holds strong potential for rice cultivation, which has been underutilised in the past.
'Indeed, this effort has been highly anticipated and supported by residents, especially in rural areas, for a long time.
'This rice cultivation project can increase income and become a new source of livelihood for young farmers and can provide high returns,' he said.
Ibrahim also expressed hope that the project would convert idle land into productive assets, positioning Limbang and Lawas as major rice-producing regions for Sarawak, with potential to export to neighboring Brunei.
In the Lawas District, the Ba Kelalan highlands are already a major producer of the premium Adan rice, more commonly known as Bario rice, outside the region and overseas.
The overall initiative is expected to enhance Sarawak's food security and reduce its reliance on imported rice, which is often subject to volatile international market prices. limbang northern sarawak padi rice bowl