‘Cross-border cooperation key to spurring Adan rice market'
MIRI (May 28): Lawas Member of Parliament Datuk Henry Sum Agong has called on the Lun Bawang community in the highlands of Lawas to strengthen ties not only among themselves but also with neighbouring communities in Long Bawan, North Kalimantan, in a joint effort to enhance Adan rice production.
Speaking at officiating ceremony the 4th Adan Rice Festival at Buduk Nur last Friday, Henry said such collaborations would not only help increase output to meet growing local demand, but also open doors to wider markets.
'With stronger cross-border networking, Adan rice production can be scaled up not just for local consumption but also for markets beyond our borders,' he said at the annual event, held about 150km from Lawas town.
Currently, access to Ba Kelalan from Lawas is only possible via four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, with the journey taking between four to five hours depending on road conditions.
However, Henry said travel time would be significantly reduced once ongoing Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) project is completed within the next five years.
'This infrastructure upgrade will make it easier, faster, and more cost-effective to transport Adan rice to Lawas and other areas, benefiting farmers on both sides of the border,' he elaborated.
Henry noted that demand for Adan rice ― known for its unique aroma and texture ― continues to be encouraging.
He also expressed confidence that improved connectivity will spur the growth of other highland crops and promote eco-tourism development in the area.
Earlier, community leader Penghulu Udan Meru announced that in light of the festival's growing popularity, it has been renamed the Adan Rice Festival from this year onwards, dropping the earlier 'Ba Kelalan' reference to give it a broader appeal.
The festival featured various traditional games, cultural performances, and exhibitions by government agencies aimed at promoting local agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. Adan rice community Henry Sum Agong lead Lun Bawang
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