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Sabah Umno Youth Chief Sufian Abdul Karim has slammed the state government over the failed Kota Belud Rice Bowl Project, calling it a clear symbol of poor planning and weak food security policy.

Launched with a RM340 million federal allocation and aimed at boosting Sabah’s rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) to 60pc, he said the project has fallen far short, with the state’s SSL at just 22.8pc in 2024.

"Rice output has declined from over 72,000 metric tonnes in 2016 to 67,705 metric tonnes in 2022," he said.

Sufian criticised the state for focusing on “paper projects” rather than real agricultural outcomes, citing unfinished infrastructure, persistent irrigation issues, and shrinking paddy land.

“The government keeps promoting grand slogans, but farmers are still struggling. This is a crisis rooted in mismanagement and lack of political will," he added.

He urged the state to take full responsibility for the failure and focus on real action to improve food security, protect farmers, and boost rice production.