By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 6: Sarawak has identified and gazetted 7,000 hectares of State land exclusively for paddy cultivation as part of a broader strategy to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imported rice.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the gazetted land forms half of the 14,000 hectares earmarked for paddy development across Sarawak, comprising both State-owned and smallholder land.
He said the move was necessary to ensure agricultural land designated for rice production is protected from being converted to other more lucrative crops.
“We have identified 14,000 hectares of land comprising State land and smallholder land, but the majority will be State land. Of that, 7,000 hectares have been gazetted for paddy production,” he said when officiating at the 2nd Sarawak Rice Conference (SARICON II) 2026 at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today.
