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The Malaysian government is actively pushing for the expansion of the Smart SBB project, known as Ala Sekinchan Large-Scale Smart, across the country, including Sabah and Sarawak. The goal is to utilise technology and modern agricultural methods to enhance rice production, especially in regions affected by annual monsoons.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister emphasised that the current rice production in Sabah and Sarawak is insufficient to meet the local demand, but there is confidence that with technology-driven approaches, these states can eventually become self-sufficient in rice production and even supply other regions.
This announcement was made during an event called the “Santai Agro Madani Penuaian Program SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan” in Kampung Gerai. Apart from Sabah and Sarawak, the ministry has received positive responses from states like Pahang and Johor to implement the program, which focuses on using advanced technology to improve crop yield and the quality of rice.
The Smart SBB Ala Sekinchan project, introduced at the end of 2021, has been widely adopted throughout the country, involving nearly 10,000 farmers and encompassing over 26,000 hectares of rice fields. Additionally, the government plans to reassess the rice planting schedule, particularly in the East Coast states, to ensure that harvesting occurs before the onset of the monsoon season. This proactive approach aims to minimise losses incurred by farmers in flood-prone areas through the use of technology and better planning.
The Malaysian government’s expansion of the Smart Sekinchan Large-Scale Smart (Smart SBB) project aligns with its goals of improving food security, adopting technology in agriculture, and fostering rural development. This initiative also promotes sustainable practices, climate resilience, economic diversification, and balanced regional development. Adequate rice production is crucial for public health, and surplus production may open up export opportunities, benefiting the country’s trade balance. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address diverse challenges and opportunities in Malaysia.
By investing in technology and modernising agricultural practices, the government aims to reduce reliance on rice imports and ensure a stable supply of this essential staple. The Smart SBB project also contributes to the broader goals of promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, large-scale agricultural projects like Smart SBB create jobs, stimulate rural economies, and enhance infrastructure, thus improving the livelihoods of rural communities and promoting balanced regional development.
By focusing on technology adoption in agriculture, the initiative aligns with Malaysia’s vision of becoming a technologically advanced nation. Additionally, optimizing the planting schedule to avoid the monsoon season enhances climate resilience and reduces losses due to extreme weather events.
The Smart SBB project’s holistic approach supports economic diversification, addressing challenges while seizing opportunities. Finally, increased rice production not only supports public health by ensuring a stable food supply but also has the potential for export, contributing to trade balance and economic growth.
OpenGov Asia earlier reported on the release of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. According to the executive summary, the Twelfth Plan is anchored on three key themes, namely resetting the economy, strengthening security, well-being and inclusivity as well as advancing sustainability.
Under the first Theme, Resetting the Economy, the focus is on restoring the growth momentum of key economic sectors and propelling strategic and high-impact industries as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to realign growth in a sustainable trajectory as well as strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global supply chain. Malaysia will move to high-value-added and high-skilled economic activities and set its sights on becoming a high-income nation driven by advanced technology.
Over the next five years, the Government will work to rejuvenate all the economic sectors, namely services, manufacturing, agriculture, mining and quarrying as well as construction.
Accelerating the development of eight strategic and high-impact industries and activities, namely electrical and electronics (E&E), global services (GS), aerospace, creative, tourism, halal, smart farming and biomass will also receive major focus. In addition, efforts will be undertaken to strengthen MSMEs’ participation in the economy and boost entrepreneurial capabilities.
