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Sabah's food paradox: The road to self-sufficiency

Borneo Post

3 days ago

Business
Borneo Post

Sabah's food paradox: The road to self-sufficiency

Sabah is blessed with fertile soil, abundant rainfall, and incredible agricultural potential. Yet, it finds itself in a perplexing situation: it imports over 60% of its food, including essential staples like rice. This dependency isn't just a matter of convenience; it's a serious vulnerability. In an era of climate disruptions, geopolitical instability, and fluctuating global markets, a shock to the worldwide supply chain could send ripples of price volatility and food insecurity across the state. This is especially true for rice, the most critical staple for many Sabahans. The state's struggle for food security is complicated by a centralized federal system, especially when it comes to rice. Since 1996, the company Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) has held a federal monopoly over all rice imports into Malaysia. This gives BERNAS sweeping powers over imports, pricing, and national stockpile management. While the intent behind BERNAS's concession is to safeguard national food security and stabilize farmer income, its implications for state autonomy — especially in Sabah and Sarawak — are profound. In Sabah, where the rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) hovers around 22.8%, the centralized import model severely restricts the state's ability to tailor responses to local shortages, price hikes, and regional preferences. Sabah's Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, has consistently called for Sabah to manage at least 50% of its rice imports, framing it not as a request but as a constitutional right to address local needs and safeguard food security. As the state's Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, Jeffrey emphasizes that Sabah's challenges differ significantly from those in Peninsular Malaysia and thus require decentralized control over rice imports and production. This would empower both Sabah and Sarawak to respond more effectively to local supply-demand dynamics. Proposing a 50% share as a practical middle ground, he believes Sabah can demonstrate the benefits of localized management without fully dismantling the federal system, allowing for policy evaluation and adjustment. Jeffrey is a vocal critic of the current rice import monopoly, arguing it stifles competition, hampers progress, and harms Sabah's economy. He warns that such centralized power fosters inefficiency and potential abuse, and rejects the notion that competition is harmful. On the contrary, he argues, competition drives innovation, efficiency, and better outcomes for both farmers and consumers. Despite these strong arguments, federal authorities have stood firm, extending BERNAS's monopoly until 2031. They maintain that a single importer ensures price stability and strategic stockpile coordination. While Sabah has attempted to challenge this monopoly, such efforts are fraught with legal complexities, as rice is a federally regulated strategic commodity. Nevertheless, Sabah is not standing still. The state government, through its GLC Sawit Kinabalu and the Agriculture Department, has launched a 100-hectare pilot padi project in Kampung Ongkilan. The goal is ambitious: to raise Sabah's rice self-sufficiency to 60% by 2030. With an investment of RM5 million, the project incorporates modern technology, including drone monitoring and efficient irrigation systems. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has thrown his weight behind the effort. He has pointed out that 2,600 hectares of idle padi land remain untapped and has urged other GLCs to follow Sawit Kinabalu's lead. This is not just an agricultural initiative; it is a strategic economic push to reclaim local control over food security and revive Sabah's rural heartland. Beyond regulatory issues, Sabah's food security challenges are rooted in physical and logistical disconnections. Sabah's interior agricultural zones — from Keningau to Kudat — produce an abundance of food. But poor rural road networks, seasonal flooding, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure render much of this food inaccessible. A sudden downpour can turn dirt roads into impassable swamps, leaving harvests stranded and spoiled in the field. Farmers bear high transport costs, and perishables rarely survive the journey to urban markets. Investing in resilient farm-to-market roads is not just a development priority; it is a necessity. Without reliable road infrastructure, no amount of agricultural expansion or policy reform will translate into real food on tables. The cold chain — the temperature-controlled storage and transport system vital for preserving perishables — is virtually nonexistent in most of Sabah's rural areas. Without cold storage, farmers experience post-harvest losses as high as 40%. This is not only an economic tragedy but a nutritional one. Sabah must embrace innovations such as solar-powered cold rooms, already tested successfully in India and Africa. These solutions are especially relevant for Sabah's off-grid rural areas and align with the state's green development goals. Simultaneously, smart irrigation systems are needed to mitigate the effects of erratic rainfall, which still dominates Sabah's agriculture and leads to inconsistent yields. Predictable production enabled by smart irrigation would lead to smoother, more cost-effective logistics down the line. Finally, the state's traditional agricultural value chain, which moves from farmer to middleman to wholesaler to retailer, is long and inefficient. Sabah should pivot toward a direct-from-farm model, powered by digital platforms. This would shorten the supply chain, reduce spoilage and costs, and empower farmers to keep a larger share of the profits. Such a transition requires investment in localized distribution hubs, training in post-harvest handling, and user-friendly digital platforms that connect farmers directly with buyers. Revamping Sabah's logistics system is not just a technical fix; it's a transformational policy that would touch every aspect of rural life. Better logistics mean higher incomes for farmers, more jobs in transportation, healthier diets for consumers, and stronger rural communities less dependent on external aid. Even forgotten infrastructure, like the railway to Tenom, could be revived as part of a modernized logistics system. The key to Sabah's food security lies not only in growing more food but in ensuring that food moves efficiently, affordably, and reliably from farms to kitchens. This requires a three-pronged approach: • Investment in Infrastructure: Fund roads, cold chains, and smart irrigation systems. • Embracing Innovation: Pivot to digital farm-to-market models. • Policy Reform: Open a dialogue with the federal government to reform policies that stifle state innovation, specifically regarding the rice import monopoly. The current situation, where local food rots while imported goods fill supermarket shelves, is no longer tenable. Sabah must be empowered to act as a protector of its food destiny. If logistics is the lifeblood of agriculture, then Sabah's heart is in critical condition. It's time to fix the chain — technically, economically, and politically — before the system breaks beyond repair.

Resilience in the fields: A farmer's story of grit and growth

Malaysian Reserve

23-06-2025

Business
Malaysian Reserve

Resilience in the fields: A farmer's story of grit and growth

Behind every grain of rice is a battle with weather, rising costs and a system farmers must fight to survive by SHAUQI WAHAB WHILE most Malaysians gathered for festive meals this Hari Raya, rice farmer Mohd. Izuan Zainal Abidin was tending to his seven hectares of paddy in Selangor — safeguarding the harvest his family depends on. A part-time farmer and full-time factory technician, Mohd. Izuan's bond with rice farming began as a boy, working alongside his late father. 'My father used to say rice doesn't grow in fields, it grows in hands,' he recalls. That wisdom continues to shape his relationship with the land. Though he now works weekdays in a factory, Mohd. Izuan spends weekends fully immersed in paddy farming. His seven hectares may be modest, but they carry a legacy he holds dear. Determined to produce high-quality fragrant rice, Mohd. Izuan invested in a lightweight harvester, avoiding damage to plants and earning consistently low paddy deductions by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS). 'Most people see rice as just food, but for some of us, it is our livelihood,' he shared. Farming has never been easy. Mohd. Izuan has battled floods, crop diseases, and volatile markets. A five-day flood last season destroyed his young seedlings, forcing him to replant by hand. 'I nearly gave up,' he admits. 'My returns weren't enough to cover the costs. It was the Covid-19 EPF withdrawal that helped me stay afloat.' Today, Mohd. Izuan adapts his planting to weather forecasts and field conditions, managing pests and adjusting his sowing cycles. His ambition is to expand his land and improve yields through mechanisation and smarter farming practices. Mohd. Izuan says most people see rice as just food, but for farmers, it is a livelihood Support That Matters What keeps him going, he says, is the steady support from the government and BERNAS. Through subsidies, drone services, affordable machinery rentals, and fertiliser assistance, Mohd. Izuan has been able to improve his harvest and income. A key initiative is the Large-Scale Smart Paddy Field (SMART SBB) programme, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with BERNAS' operational support. It consolidates small farms for more efficient land use and provides shared resources, technology and training The programme aims to significantly boost domestic rice production and support the country's self-sufficiency level (SSL) targets for rice. This is achieved through the consolidation of smaller rice fields within an area under a centralised farm management system, allowing for more effective use of resources, optimising land usage and adoption of best agricultural practices. BERNAS also provides training and education programmes, incentives for improved yields and projects to reduce the threat of rice field rats, among others, for farmers. This support, though not always seen or heard, plays an important background role in stabilising the system. 'BERNAS has made a real difference,' Mohd. Izuan says. 'From rental of machines to technical advice — they've been with us when it matters.' Earlier this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced additional special assistance totalled at RM90 million through BERNAS, providing farmers like Mohd. Izuan with crucial tools and inputs during a difficult season. Feeding a Nation, One Harvest at a Time This Hari Raya Haji, as the fields fall silent and the day's work yields to celebration, Mohd. Izuan joins his kampung's korban ceremony with profound gratitude. He savours moments with loved ones — his children's laughter echoing through the rice stalks — and reflects on a year of challenges overcome. Each grain on our festive table carries the sweat, skill and spirit of a resilient farmer whose journey from a schoolboy apprentice to a visionary steward of Selangor's paddy lands embodies hope against the odds. Each grain on our festive table carries the sweat, skill and spirit of a resilient farmer whose journey from a schoolboy apprentice to a visionary steward of Selangor's paddy lands embodies hope against the odds. For Mohd. Izuan, rice farming isn't just a livelihood — it's a legacy. 'When I see people enjoying rice at restaurants, I feel proud,' he says. 'It's the result of our hard work.' As Malaysia strengthens its food security efforts, farmers like Mohd. Izuan remains central to that mission — quietly, steadily and with hands in the soil. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

Sabah farmers embrace modern methods through SMART SBB

The Star

31-05-2025

General
The Star

Sabah farmers embrace modern methods through SMART SBB

KOTA KINABALU: Jafli Latu owns a piece of land inherited from his parents decades ago. To the 63-year-old, this land is more than just a farm; it is a legacy, a symbol of resilience, a connection to his roots, and a source of pride that carries the hopes of his family and community. Jafli has experienced everything, from using buffaloes to plough the soil to embracing technology-driven farming. "Today, we plant with purpose. Not just to survive, but to grow and build something lasting," he said with a smile, brushing soil from his hands. This year's Kaamatan celebration, cherished by the Kadazandusun community, holds special meaning for Jafli and his fellow farmers. Traditionally a time to honour the earth and give thanks, Kaamatan now symbolises more than just the end of a planting season. In Kota Belud, it marks the triumph of a new agricultural approach transforming lives. Jafli recalls his late father's wisdom, who said rice was more than food; it nourished the soul. "For many years, farming felt like a gamble. We barely harvested two tonnes per hectare, sometimes even less." "It was all back-breaking work, done entirely by hand," he recalled, adding that the high cost of fertilisers, unpredictable weather, and uncertain yields worsened things. But change began when Jafli was introduced to the Large-Scale Smart Paddy Field (SMART SBB) programme, blending modern technology with traditional knowledge. He was sceptical at first, as were some 40 others who joined the programme, but when yields increased from 2.6 to more than four metric tonnes per hectare in one season, they recognised its potential. The SMART SBB initiative, a collaboration between the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), aims to strengthen Malaysia's food security through strategic, field-level partnerships. Launched in June 2022 in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, Kota Belud, the programme delivered an immediate impact. Yields rose by more than 60% in the first season alone, and in 2024, the number of participants doubled to over 80 across nine areas. In addition to Jawi-Jawi, participating areas now cover over 160ha of paddy land, including Timbang Dayang, Taun Gusi Keranjangan, Sangkir, and Kesapang. Under the programme, farmers now use drones to survey fields, plant TR8 seeds directly into water, and operate modern paddy transplanters, making the process faster, more efficient, and less physically demanding. For Terpilih Sunus from Kampung Kesapang, the most significant change was not only the improved yield but the shift in farming methods. "When we saw our yields rise by over 60% in the first season, I knew we could not return to the old ways." "Now, with guidance from technical officers, we follow a more precise method. We use drones, plant the TR8 seeds more efficiently, and operate machinery that saves us days of work," she said. To Terpilih and many others, the combination of training, logistical support, and structured market access under this public-private partnership sets a new benchmark for Malaysia's paddy sector. Noraini James echoed her sentiments, saying that tasks that once took weeks are now completed in just a few days. "There is no more back-breaking seed carrying. Now, I refer to drone-generated soil data. Our yields have tripled," she said with a laugh. She explained that the programme had not only boosted production but also changed her outlook on agriculture. "I used to work in the city, but I came back to help my parents. After seeing our yield triple, I now see a future in this field. We are no longer just planting paddy; we are managing harvests like a business," she said. For farmers in Kota Belud, this year's Kaamatan carries a deeper meaning. It is no longer just a cultural celebration but a reflection of resilience, renewal, and progress. "Kaamatan is about honouring the earth and its blessings. This year, I feel truly worthy of receiving the Kaamatan rice because our work has been more systematic and productive," said Noraini. The SMART SBB programme has modernised traditional practices, ensuring farmers have access to quality inputs, fair pricing, and guaranteed purchase agreements. Consistent technical support and reliable procurement channels have lifted the burden of selling harvests at poor prices or uncertain markets. As a strategic implementation partner, BERNAS plays a key role in supporting Malaysia's food security through its involvement in field operations and market facilitation. "Before this, our harvests often went unsold because we could not get them to market quickly. Now, with dedicated buyers and structured channels, we have the confidence to keep planting," said Jafli, smiling.

BERNAS lowers imported white rice price to safeguard food security

The Sun

15-05-2025

Business
The Sun

BERNAS lowers imported white rice price to safeguard food security

SHAH ALAM: Effective today, the price of imported white rice (BPI) at all Padiberas Nasional Bhd (BERNAS) warehouses nationwide has been set at RM2,600 per metric tonne. In a statement, BERNAS said the government's BPI subsidy programme for Sabah and Sarawak will remain in place. BERNAS said the proactive move reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting government efforts to ensure national food security and mitigate the impact of global price hikes. 'This will allow consumers to obtain imported rice at a lower price, thereby helping to ease the cost of living for the people. 'This is the second price adjustment after the Dec 1, 2024 revision, which saw the BPI price at Peninsular warehouses reduced from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per metric tonne,' the statement read. Despite the latest revision, Malaysia still offers the lowest BPI price in Southeast Asia, it added. BERNAS also gave assurance that the country's rice supply is sufficient to meet consumer demand, as white rice is also sourced from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. 'This approach is aimed at securing rice supply without dependence on a single source, while also protecting the nation's buffer stock,' it said. Yesterday, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that the BPI price would be adjusted to RM2,600 per metric tonne at all BERNAS warehouses, effective today. Mohamad said the adjustment is the result of engagement sessions with BERNAS, taking into account various current factors, including global market developments and the need to ensure the continuity of the country's food supply chain.