24 October 2024

On Today Show
> YB Tan Kar Hing, Member of Parliament for Gopeng and member of the Special Select Committee of Parliament related to Domestic Trade, Entrepreneurship, Cost of Living, and Agriculture – Balancing Rice Production and Land Rights: Sarawak’s Agriculture Project Under Scrutiny
> Mr. Paul from Long Lama – Sarawak Paddy Project: Resident Raises Concerns Over Land Ownership and Planning
> Thomas Fann, Chairman of Engage – MP Absenteeism Could Harm Voter Trust, Democracy Advocate Thomas Fann Warn
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> YB Tan Kar Hing, Ahli Parlimen Gopeng dan ahli Jawatankuasa Pilihan Khas Parlimen berkaitan Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Keusahawanan, Kos Sara Hidup, dan Pertanian – Menyeimbangkan Pengeluaran Beras dan Hak Tanah: Projek Pertanian Sarawak Dalam Pemerhatian
> Encik Paul dari Long Lama – Projek Penanaman Padi Sarawak: Penduduk Membangkitkan Kebimbangan Mengenai Pemilikan Tanah dan Perancangan
> Thomas Fann, Pengerusi Engage – Ketidakhadiran Ahli Parlimen Mungkin Menjejaskan Kepercayaan Pengundi, Amaran Aktivis Demokrasi Thomas Fann
------------------------
YB Tan Kar Hing, Member of Parliament for Gopeng and member of the Special Select Committee of Parliament related to Domestic Trade, Entrepreneurship, Cost of Living, and Agriculture
*Balancing Rice Production and Land Rights: Sarawak’s Agriculture Project Under Scrutiny*
YB Tan Kar Hing has commented on the proposal to increase white rice production in Malaysia. Sarawak is ready to release an initial capital of RM500 million and hopes to secure an additional RM500 million from the federal government. According to Kar Hing, this is a promising suggestion given that paddy cultivation areas in Peninsular Malaysia are becoming more limited, while Sabah and Sarawak still have fertile and extensive agricultural lands.
However, Kar Hing expressed concern, as previous similar projects had been proposed but failed, leaving the people of Sarawak worried. Furthermore, some of the areas targeted for development face conflicts over Native Customary Rights (NCR) land claims, and there is a lack of transparency in project implementation. Misappropriation of funds and agricultural grants is also a common issue. The Sarawak Premier stated that his political/DUN constituency in Gedong has the potential for hybrid rice cultivation, and a pilot project has already been implemented in Lubok Punggol, Gedong. In total, Gedong alone could provide 700,000 hectares of fertile land for rice cultivation, along with other areas such as Tanjung Bijat in Sri Aman, Sepaoh in Betong, and Tanjong Burong in Lundu.
The Premier of Sarawak identified constituencies within the state with potential for development. However, Kar Hing emphasized that the state government holds full authority over land matters. A special select committee will be responsible for monitoring each project undertaken with joint venture funds from the state and federal governments. It is indeed the committee's duty to ensure that government grants and projects meet their objectives.
Residents in the interior of Sarawak have often complained that they are supplied with hill paddy fertilizer, despite not cultivating rice or applying for such assistance. Kar Hing explained that the potential implementation of the rice cultivation project in Sarawak may include areas recommended by the Sarawak GPS government, as well as the exploration of hill paddy cultivation in highland areas such as Baram and Bario. However, it is still uncertain whether the federal government will approve the RM500 million requested by the Sarawak state government.
-----------------------