Zahari operating an excavator during a groundbreaking ceremony of a padi field in Kluang, Johor, earlier in March.
Johor is looking to increase rice production to support the national agenda, despite not being a jelapang padi (rice bowl) state.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz had announced a RM2mil allocation for Johor’s padi and rice sector development.
“A key focus of this initiative is the opening of two new padi-growing areas at Kahang in Kluang and Sungai Balang in Muar.
“This effort is supported by Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, which has provided an additional RM798,230 through a special allocation for 2024,” he highlighted.
Zahari said this during a press conference in Kota Iskandar, Johor Baru, on the upcoming “Jelajah Orang Johor” (JOJ) programme.
The Buloh Kasap assemblyman said the Kahang padi field project had already commenced, covering an initial 20ha area, while the expansion was expected to increase padi production by 60 tonnes per season.
“Another 10ha are currently being developed, which will add 20 more tonnes per season to Johor’s total padi yield.”
He said the project was being managed by Koperasi Pesawah Kahang, a farmers’ cooperative with 55 members.
Zahari said the state government aimed to further expand padi fields by 80ha by 2026 – 30ha in Kahang and 50ha in Sungai Balang.
“This will bring the total active padi-growing area in Johor to 1,693ha, with an additional production target of 240 tonnes per season,” he said.
He noted that although Johor’s padi fields were not as extensive as those in the jelapang padi region, the state government was targeting higher productivity per hectare than the national average.
“The expansion of padi-growing areas is expected to significantly increase rice production and contribute to improving Malaysia’s self-sufficiency ratio for rice.
“With continuous support from both Federal and state governments, Johor is positioning itself as a key contributor to the nation’s food security, ensuring sustainable and efficient rice production for the future,” he added.
On the JOJ, Zahari said it was a state government initiative aimed at engaging with the people while serving as a platform to disseminate and communicate government policies and initiatives.
“This programme is a reflection of the state government’s commitment, where government leaders including government heads and elected representatives will listen to the people’s concerns and better understand their needs.”
He said JOJ was launched by Onn Hafiz earlier this month in Kukup, Pontian, and the event received overwhelming support from locals in Kukup.
The programme is expected to be held in all 56 state constituencies until October.
The next JOJ is scheduled for Parit Raja in Batu Pahat, on April 19.
“JOJ serves as an important platform to strengthen the relationship between the government and the people.
“This programme is a great opportunity for people to connect with their leaders, share their concerns and participate in community-building activities,” Zahari added.
