Batang Lupar area posseses enormous potential as food security hub, but infrastructure remains one of critical weaknesses. says Lingga SLM

KUCHING, May 12 2026: Lingga State Legislative Member (SLM) Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor stressed that Batang Lupar area possesses enormous strategic potential to become one of the state’s important food security hubs. 

Lingga SLM Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor says IADA report stated that parts of Bijat/Stumbin Phase 2  project remain under design review and expected to be completed by 2030 

“However, we must also honestly acknowledge that the current production of performance of Integrated Agriculture Development Authority (IADA) Batang Lupar still remains lower at 3.43 mt/ha in 2023/2024 for for the first season while outside the season, production reached 4.47 mt/ha. compared to more established rice-producing areas such as Lubok Punggur andTanjung Purun,” she said during the debate on the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (SLA).

 According to the IADA Batang Lupar Development Plan 2021–2030, she said one of the major focuses identified is “Pembangunan Infrastruktur Pengairan dan Saliran yang lengkap secara berfasa.”

“This itself proves that infrastructure remains one of the critical weaknesses affecting the success of the project,” Dayang Noorazah said.

She said the report also clearly shows that several major infrastructure projects remain under phased implementation across 12 Malaysia Plan (12MP) and 13 Malaysia Plan (13MP), involving irrigation systems, tertiary drainage, farm roads, pumping systems and water management infrastructure.  

“Even more concerning, according to the development plan for Bijat/Stumbin Phase 2 involving Seduku, the report stated that parts of the project remain under design review with expected completion only by 2030.   

“This is exactly the concern of the rakyat who have waited too long. The land exists. The farmers are ready. The potential is proven. The productivity data is improving.

“But delays in infrastructure implementation continue slowing down the full realization of the project. And when infrastructure is delayed planting schedules are disrupted,water management becomes inconsistent, drainage problems occur and mechanization becomes difficult, operational costs increase, and investor confidence weakens.

”Eventually, public confidence may also be affected. Therefore, the people of Batang Lupar place great hope that this initiative will continue progressing successfully and ultimately emerge as one of Sarawak’s proud food security success stories,” she said.