He said Sarawakians are increasingly facing pressures in these areas, which are being intensified by global climate change, even as the state continues to advance in its economic and industrial development.
MIRI: Sarawak must chart more effective strategies to address climate change, environmental degradation and rising challenges in the agriculture and food sectors, says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said Sarawakians are increasingly facing pressures in these areas, which are being intensified by global climate change, even as the state continues to advance in its economic and industrial development.
“We must be prepared more effectively to deal with climatic changes, degradation of the environment and challenges to our agriculture sectors.
“These critical areas must be addressed even as we are progressing well in the industrial and economic sectors,” he said at the Maal Hijrah state-level celebrations at Miri Stadium today.
He added that while Sarawak continues to enjoy multiracial harmony and development progress, attention must also be given to emerging long-term challenges affecting the state.
“As we celebrate Maal Hijrah and reflect on our good multiracial harmony in Sarawak, we also pay attention to the emerging challenges facing us,” he said.
Abang Johari said the state government is actively shaping policies to address these issues, particularly in food security and agricultural sustainability.
On May 11, Sarawak enacted a law to regulate land use for rice cultivation as part of efforts to strengthen long-term food security amid rising food import costs.
State Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom had tabled the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026 in the State Legislative Assembly.
The legislation provides for the establishment of a dedicated board with regulatory powers to oversee rice production and land use for cultivation.
Seven large areas in the state are expected to be developed into rice cultivation zones as part of the initiative.
Sarawak currently spends billions annually on imported food, including rice, vegetables, livestock and animal feed, with costs continuing to rise due to global supply pressures, including geopolitical tensions.
It was previously reported that Sarawak imported more than RM7.62 billion worth of food products last year, an increase of about RM3 billion compared to the previous year.
Authorities have said the state continues to face challenges in producing sufficient food locally and is increasingly reliant on imports.
