KUCHING, May 12 2926: The Sarawak State Assembly (SLA) today has approved the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board (SPRB) Bill, 2026 after 31 members took part in the debate.
Winding the debate, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundie Utom said he takes notes of their suggestions and ideas for the board to consider.
"The suggestions and ideas will help the board in implementing its functions," he said.
He assured that the board will operate with integrity and dignity.
Tabling the Bill, he said it seeks to design to empower Sarawak to manage, develop, and sustain its padi and rice industry for the benefit of the people, both now and for generations to come.
"Recognizing the importance of regulating the padi and rice industry, Sarawak seeks to establish a dedicated State Agency to oversee and drive the sustainable development of padi cultivation and rice production, " Dr Rundie said.
He stressed that the Bill seeks to introduce a comprehensive legal framework to facilitate a State-led transformation of the padi and rice industry.
He also said the Bill seeks to empower the board to issue licenses, collect fees, appoint agents and experts, promote research, develop marketing strategies, commercialize the research findings, protect the interests of the padi and rice industry.
He added the Bill to empower the board to declare any area of State land as “Padi Development Area” subject to such terms and conditions.
Dr Rundie said the Bill also provides for enforcement and investigation powers, whereby authorized officers may enforce the provisions of this Ordinance by investigating offences, accessing computerized data, seizing and disposing of padi, rice or related equipment.
"Offences include, among others, the making of false information, and obstruction of authorized officers, " he said.
Dr Rundie emphasised that the provisions under the Bill are intended to complement the existing federal framework, particularly in strengthening the state’s role in the development, coordination and enhancement of the padi and rice industry within Sarawak.
"This Bill is intended to operate in tandem with the existing legal and regulatory framework, complementing current laws and policies in advancing national food security, with particular emphasis on the needs of Sarawak.
"It shall not contravene or supersede any provision of Federal law, and is designed to function within the State’s constitutional and legislative competence, focusing on areas such as production planning, distribution management, farmer development, and monitoring systems, " he stressed.
He said that Bill seeks to provide a legal platform for the State to exercise these functions and may, where appropriate, accommodate the delegation of powers from the Federal Government
He added the board will comprise a chairman, deputy chairman, key government officials, and not more than five other members with appropriate experience, knowledge and expertise in the padi and rice industry from the upstream and the downstream sector of the industry.
“The Bill also provides for the appointment of a general manager, who will be responsible for the proper administration and day-to-day management of the board’s functions and affairs, thereby ensuring the effective implementation of the board’s mandate.
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