THE revival of the Lembaga Padi dan Beras Sabah (LPBS) marks a significant shift in Sabah’s commitment to food security. Established as the lead agency, LPBS aims to strengthen local rice production and reduce the state’s dependence on imported rice.
At present, Sabah contributes only 4.7pc to national rice production, and its rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) stands at a mere 22.8pc. The remainder is met through imports, leaving the state vulnerable to external shocks such as climate change, trade disruptions, and geopolitical tensions.
Malaysia’s rice production remains heavily concentrated in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly Kedah, Perlis, Penang, and Kelantan. In contrast, Sabah offers a largely untapped opportunity for rice diversification, with its vast underutilised land and rich indigenous knowledge systems.
The revival of LPBS is therefore not just a state-level concern, it holds potential to contribute meaningfully to national food security goals.
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