Kota Sentosa Rep Urges New Padi Board to Prioritize Results Over Bureaucracy
Wilfred Yap, the representative for Kota Sentosa, emphasized during a debate at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly that the proposed Sarawak Padi and Rice Board must focus on delivering tangible outcomes rather than creating additional bureaucratic layers. With the state government committing RM1 billion to the sector, Yap stressed the need for accountability through a transparent Performance-Based Monitoring System. He argued that public funds should result in measurable improvements such as increased production, reduced import dependency, and stable rice prices. Citing challenges from the Bario Rice Project, including underutilized equipment and insufficient community engagement, Yap warned against poor maintenance and lack of local participation. He advocated for prioritizing small farmers through training, accessible financing, and cooperative models to prevent corporate dominance. Furthermore, Yap suggested developing a premium branding strategy for indigenous rice varieties to enhance export potential and agro-tourism. He called for a dedicated unit within the board to handle research, preservation, and commercialization, ensuring the institution remains lean, efficient, and driven by strategic economic resilience goals for Sarawak.
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Kota Sentosa Rep Urges New Padi Board to Prioritize Results Over Bureaucracy
Wilfred Yap, the representative for Kota Sentosa, emphasized during a debate at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly that the proposed Sarawak Padi and Rice Board must focus on delivering tangible outcomes rather than creating additional bureaucratic layers. With the state government committing RM1 billion to the sector, Yap stressed the need for accountability through a transparent Performance-Based Monitoring System. He argued that public funds should result in measurable improvements such as increased production, reduced import dependency, and stable rice prices. Citing challenges from the Bario Rice Project, including underutilized equipment and insufficient community engagement, Yap warned against poor maintenance and lack of local participation. He advocated for prioritizing small farmers through training, accessible financing, and cooperative models to prevent corporate dominance. Furthermore, Yap suggested developing a premium branding strategy for indigenous rice varieties to enhance export potential and agro-tourism. He called for a dedicated unit within the board to handle research, preservation, and commercialization, ensuring the institution remains lean, efficient, and driven by strategic economic resilience goals for Sarawak.
Borneo Post Online