KUCHING, Sept 22 — The Federal government will hold discussions on allocations to develop padi planting infrastructure in Sarawak, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.
Fadillah, who is also Minister of Plantation and Commodities, said they include the construction of a well-developed irrigation and drainage system.
“I will discuss this matter with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, the Economy Ministry and with the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).
“It is estimated that allocations for the Sri Aman area alone are worth about RM1 billion and there are many other places with potential. We will work out the details and how much can be given each year,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony of Sarawak Agrofest 2023, here, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
On Sept 17, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said an area of 50,000 hectares in Sabah and Sarawak had been identified for the implementation of rice planting projects.
Ahmad Zahid said the matter had also been agreed in principle by Abang Johari, but the implementation needed some time.
