Cabinet agrees to revive Sabah Padi and Rice Board

The Sabah Padi and Rice Board, which was previously established in 1973, is set to be revived by the Sabah State Cabinet with the aim of enhancing food production and ensuring food security in the state. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor on April 17, 2023, in Kota Kinabalu.

The revival of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is considered crucial, as Sabah currently imports a significant amount of rice and padi (paddy rice) from other countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and India, to meet local demand. According to the latest statistics, Sabah imports approximately 300,000 metric tons of rice annually, which accounts for around 60% of the state's total rice consumption.

The reinstatement of the Board is expected to provide a platform for the promotion, development, and regulation of padi and rice cultivation in Sabah. It will also serve as a focal point for research, extension services, marketing, and quality control in the rice industry.

The revival of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is in line with the Malaysian government's National Rice Industry Masterplan, which aims to reduce rice imports and increase local rice production by 50% by 2025. The masterplan also focuses on improving rice productivity, enhancing the competitiveness of local rice farmers, and ensuring food security for the country.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the revival of the Board is an essential step towards achieving self-sufficiency in rice production in Sabah, reducing reliance on imports, and improving the livelihoods of local farmers. He also expressed his commitment to providing necessary support and resources for the successful implementation of the Board's mandate.

The exact details regarding the operational structure, funding, and staffing of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board are yet to be announced, but it is expected that the Board will collaborate with various stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, extension officers, and industry players, to achieve its objectives.

In conclusion, the decision by the Sabah State Cabinet to revive the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is a significant step towards enhancing food production, ensuring food security, and reducing rice imports in Sabah. The Board's mandate includes promotion, development, regulation, research, extension services, marketing, and quality control in the padi and rice industry, with a focus on improving productivity, enhancing competitiveness, and providing support for local farmers.