The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has announced plans to expand the Ala Sekinchan Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SMART SBB) project and re-examine the planting schedule to meet the local rice demand in Malaysia. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu revealed that the government intends to expand the project nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
Mohamad Sabu stated, “While rice production in Sabah and Sarawak currently falls short of meeting their own population’s needs, we are confident that in the long term, both states can not only fulfil their domestic requirements but also contribute to other states.” He shared these remarks during a SMART SBB programme conducted at Kampung Gerai.
In addition to Sabah and Sarawak, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has received positive responses from Pahang and Johor to implement the SMART SBB project. The project involves utilizing modern technology for integrated padi farming to enhance crop yield and produce higher-quality rice.
The SMART SBB project was introduced at the end of 2021 and is now implemented across the country, involving nearly 10,000 farmers and covering over 26,000 hectares of padi fields.
Furthermore, the government plans to reassess the padi planting schedule, particularly in the east coast states, to ensure that rice harvesting occurs before the monsoon season. This measure aims to minimize losses for farmers whose padi fields are at risk of flooding.
The SMART SBB initiative is focused on developing padi cultivation areas by optimizing land utilization and increasing the efficiency of padi production activities, as previously reported. This program also aims to boost the country’s padi production and improve the income of padi farmers.
