Sabah has revived its Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) with a bold target to double the state’s food self-sufficiency level (SSL) in rice production from the current 22.8% to 60% by 2030.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state could no longer afford to rely heavily on imported rice and must act swiftly to strengthen local production.
“At present, Sabah only produces about 22.8% of its rice needs, making us overly dependent on imports.
“We must reverse this trend,” Hajiji said when launching LPBS and the Agrobank Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme in Kota Belud on Saturday.
His speech was delivered by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
LPBS will now take over all padi development and management from the State Agricultural Department and act as the state’s sole padi regulator.
“I urge all state agencies to fully support LPBS in carrying out this crucial mandate,” Hajiji said.
As part of the state’s strategy, padi development will be concentrated in six key districts — Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Tambunan, Keningau, Papar, and Kota Belud — covering more than 22,000 hectares and involving over 16,000 padi farmers.
The state is also banking on the untapped potential of Sabah’s hill padi, with 13,000 hectares of highland areas identified as suitable for planting. Hajiji said these areas, if fully developed, could yield over 30,000 metric tonnes of hill rice annually.
“Sabah already has premium hill rice varieties such as Adan rice from Long Pasia, Sipitang, and from Ranau, Kudat, and Pitas, which have gained popularity just like Sarawak’s Bario rice,” he noted.
Hajiji further called on government-linked companies (GLCs) to unlock the potential of idle land under their control by cultivating padi to boost state-wide production.
“I assure you, the State Government is fully committed to supporting efforts to expand and increase local rice production,” he said.
He also urged farmers to sign up for the Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme, which offers financial protection against losses caused by natural disasters, pests, or diseases.
The scheme is open to Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, registered under the federal fertilizer programme, and holding an Agrobank account. – May 10, 2025
