State government to launch pilot project to cultivate perennial rice

DARO, July 17 2026:  The Sarawak government will launch a pilot project to cultivate perennial rice in the Daro and Matu areas as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s food security through the adoption of modern agricultural technology.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says he wants to try planting perennial rice in Daro because scientists believe that the soil in Matu and Daro is suitable for this type

Premier Abang Johari Openg said the project would be implemented in collaboration with a university in Yunnan, China, which developed the rice variety.

He said scientific studies had identified the soil conditions in Daro and Matu as suitable for the cultivation of the rice.

“I want to try it in Daro because scientists believe that the soil in Matu and Daro is suitable for this type of rice. We will begin with a trial project, and the seeds are expected to be sown around August in Kuala Baram,” he said at a press conference after officiating the Daro Village Extension Scheme (SPK) project today.

He explained that the key advantage of perennial rice was that it only needed to be planted once and could continue producing yields for up to five years, thereby reducing cultivation costs and increasing agricultural productivity.

He added that the rice variety produced also offered better health benefits and could serve as an alternative option for consumers.

The premier also said the government would continue exploring new technologies in the agricultural sector to increase the state’s food production, while leveraging the potential of the Rajang Delta, which has vast areas of land suitable for modern agricultural development.

He stressed that the development of a high-technology agricultural sector was among the government’s strategies to create new economic opportunities for rural communities, while increasing household incomes and reducing poverty levels in Sarawak. 

(Perennial rice are varieties of long-lived rice that are capable of regrowing season after season without reseeding; they are being developed by plant geneticists at several institutions.)

State ministry says fake LPOs, bearing its name and particulars, are being circulated by irresponsible parties

KUCHING, July 17 2027: The Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government today alerted the public on the fraudulent Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) bearing the its name and particulars are currently being circulated by irresponsible parties.

The ministry categorically states that the LPOs in circulation are false, unauthorised, and that it has not issued any.

“Accordingly, any request for the supply of goods or services, or for payment based on these documents, is fraudulent and should not be entertained,” the ministry said in a statement.

“All suppliers, contractors, service providers, and members of the public are strongly advised to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of any LPO purportedly issued by the ministry before accepting any order, supplying goods or services, or processing any payment.

The ministry views the matter with utmost seriousness and has referred the case to the

relevant enforcement authorities for investigation.

“Appropriate legal action will be pursued against any individual or party found to be involved in the creation, use, or distribution of these fraudulent documents,” it warned.

The ministry urged anyone who receives a suspicious LPO or who has been approached by persons claiming to be its representative to immediately seek verification and lodge a report with the police.

It said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of government procurement processes and appreciates the vigilance and cooperation of all suppliers, business partners, and members of the public in preventing fraudulent activities.

Move beyond repeated announcrements on plans for large-scale rice production, PBK president tells state government

KUCHING, July 17 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan today called on the state government to move beyond repeated announcements on plans for a large-scale rice production.

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan says that Sarawak has spoken for decades about achieving self-sufficiency in rice production, yet the state continues to rely heavily on imported rice from neighbouring countries.

He said the government should prioritise investments in modern irrigation systems, research and development, mechanisation, support for local farmers, and the expansion of suitable paddy cultivation areas.

“Clear targets, transparent reporting, and accountability are essential to ensure progress is achieved,” he said in a statement..

Voon stressed that Sarawak's food security should never be compromised, stressing that ensuring an affordable and stable supply of rice is not only an economic responsibility but also a matter of public welfare and strategic importance.

“PBK will continue to advocate policies that reduce dependence on imports, strengthen local agriculture, and protect the interests of all Sarawakians,” Voon said.

He said Sarawak has spoken for decades about achieving self-sufficiency in rice production, yet the state continues to rely heavily on imported rice from neighbouring countries.

“Despite repeated strategies, plans, and promises by successive governments, the goal remains unfulfilled,” he noted.

He also noted that recently the state government reiterated its commitment to increasing local rice production.

“However, many Sarawakians are understandably disappointed because the cost of rice has continued to rise over the years, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“For many families, rice is not just another commodity—it is a daily necessity, and higher prices have placed an increasing burden on household budgets,” he said.

Voon also said PBK is deeply concerned by the long-standing failure to strengthen Sarawak's food security.

He said food is not merely an economic commodity; it is a strategic asset and an economic weapon, adding that a state that cannot produce sufficient staple food for its own people remains vulnerable to external supply disruptions, rising global prices, and geopolitical uncertainties.

“PBK believes that Sarawak possesses the land, water resources, and agricultural potential to significantly increase its own rice production.

“What has been lacking is the political will, effective implementation, and long-term commitment to transform policy into tangible results,” he said.

DPM Fadillah: Role of media is more than just delivering news

KUCHING, July 17 2026: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof stressed that the role of the media in Sarawak is much greater than simply delivering news, but rather serves as a bridge that connects various races, urban and rural communities and helps the people understand the state's development agenda.

Caption: Some of the media practitioners (all seated) who receive the Premier Appreciation Awards at the SMeC last night. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof is third from right (standing)

He said that Sarawak's position as a country rich in cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity means that the media plays an important role in strengthening unity and delivering information in a more inclusive manner.

"The media serves as a bridge that connects races and between urban and rural communities, raising the voice of the community, introducing culture and delivering the development agenda in a more inclusive manner," he said at a dinner held in conjunction with the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026 last night.

In the context of regional development, he said, the media also plays an important role in explaining the implementation of various development agendas including infrastructure projects, energy transition, green economy, energy security, digital transformation and efforts to improve the well-being of the people.

Fadillah explained that the delivery of accurate and easy-to-understand information will help the people understand government policies, thus encouraging their participation in realizing

the state's development agenda.

He expressed hope that the media practitioners will continue to play their role as strategic partners of the government in delivering authentic, constructive and inclusive information for the progress of Sarawak.