THE government is developing 4,839ha of land in Sabah and Sarawak for padi cultivation, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the Dewan Negara today.

He said it comprised 2,159ha of land in Sabah’s Beluran and Kota Belud, and 2,680ha in Sarawak’s Batang Lupar.

“The plan involving 50,000ha is meant to be a long-term plan, but so far 4,839ha have been approved for development (padi cultivation) in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said during a question-and-answer session.

Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, was responding to a question from Mohd Shafie Apdal (Semporna-Warisan) about the ​​50,000ha padi planting plan in Sabah and Sarawak.

The deputy prime minister said the plan, which aimed to improve the country’s self-sufficiency level, had been discussed with the Sarawak premier and Sabah chief minister. – Bernama, October 16, 2023.