KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — The government intends to adopt successful agricultural methods used in Sekinchan, which have significantly boosted rice production, for use in other states such as Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move is necessary as rice production in these states is significantly lower than in Sekinchan.
“The key issue is productivity, as the gap between rice yields in Selangor and Kedah is too wide. We must work to increase production.
“We are looking into replicating several practices from Sekinchan, including the use of high-yield paddy seeds, fertilisers, and improved management techniques. This may involve artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology, similar to what Sime Darby has implemented in the palm oil industry,” he said during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani), who asked how AI technology and initiatives such as the Ala Sekinchan Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SMART SBB) and high-yield padi seeds could enhance rice productivity.
Through SMART SBB, padi cultivation has become more systematic, leveraging technologies such as the Internet of Things and transplanters. This approach has resulted in an increase in rice yields, with production rising from 3.75 metric tonnes to six or seven metric tonnes per hectare.
Earlier, Anwar announced RM1 billion from the government for the Muda Agricultural Development Authority to launch a programme aimed at boosting rice production, set to be introduced this month.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Kedah government for its cooperation in land management efforts to enhance rice productivity.
Regarding the recent reports of rice supply fraud in Kedah, the Prime Minister said he has entrusted enforcement agencies with investigating the issue, and that action will be taken if sufficient evidence is found.
On Saturday, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor alleged the ongoing local rice shortage was due to local white rice being packaged as imported grain.
— Bernama
