KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is taking significant steps to reduce its reliance on imported rice, says Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
The state government, he added, has set an ambitious goal of achieving 60% rice self-sufficiency by 2030 through the newly launched Sabah Rice and Paddy Board 2024 (LPS 2024).
“Sabah cannot depend on imports forever, (but) with the LPS, we are taking bold steps towards self-reliance,” Kitingan said.
The Deputy Chief Minister I stressed that the LPS is a key initiative aimed at transforming the local rice industry, modernising padi cultivation, and addressing pressing food security concerns.
Kitingan said the plan includes increasing crop intensity to 1.75 cycles per year and boosting yields from three to five tonnes per hectare, aiming for sustainable rice production within the state.
A central focus of the LPS will be mechanisation and automation, which Kitingan believes will revolutionise farming practices and significantly raise productivity.
The initiative also targets the rehabilitation of 7,000ha of abandoned padi fields, a move critical to expanding cultivation areas in key districts such as Kota Belud, Keningau, and Tuaran.
In response to urbanisation and land competition, the state has earmarked 5,000ha for dedicated food production, with rice as a priority crop.
The government has also allocated RM1.82mil to revive the board, reflecting a strong commitment to improving food security.
Kitingan said that LPS will oversee every stage of the rice production process, from planting to marketing, ensuring that Sabah’s rice industry remains competitive.
Financial support and modern farming tools will be provided to farmers to increase their income, while millers and service providers will benefit from targeted incentives.
“The success of LPS hinges on cooperation between state and federal agencies. With proper planning and collaboration, Sabah can reach 60% self-sufficiency by 2030,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that a strong local paddy industry is crucial to securing a stable and sustainable rice supply for Sabah’s future.
