SARAWAK is keen on learning padi cultivation from Selangor to increase its rice production, said state Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Stephen Rundi Utom.

He said this is due to advanced padi cultivation in Sekinchan.

He said the Sekinchan area has a 75% self-sufficiency level for rice, and provides good income to farmers.

“I will continue to ask my officers to learn, especially what they (in Sekinchan) are doing,” he said when officiating the Ngabang Gawai event at RTM Kuching today.

He said his ministry may use Selangor’s padi cultivation methods if they are suitable for use in Sarawak. 

This is important for food security as Sarawak has only reached 38% of its self-sufficiency level for rice, which is very low, he said.

He said because to this, Sarawak has to import rice from abroad. – Bernama, June 9, 2023.