SHAH ALAM, Sept 26 — The state government is carrying out a land verification exercise on paddy fields in north-west Selangor to get an accurate picture of the area's land status before formulating measures to improve the paddy sector.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato' Izham Hashim said the exercise is important to identify land that is still being cultivated as paddy fields, has been converted to other crops, or has been developed for other uses.
“Through this paddy field revolution, we are looking at implementation holistically. It is not about cosmetic changes, but about structures and policies. We need holistic, comprehensive solutions rather than ad hoc measures.
“The survey on the status of paddy field land is being conducted by the Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam District and Land Offices, with complete data expected to be obtained in 2027,” he said after the 2027 Selangor Budget engagement session with Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari at the Selangor International Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday.
Izham added that the survey is crucial because there had previously been no detailed data on the overall status of paddy field land in north-west Selangor, including land converted to vegetable crops, oil palm, or other uses such as homestays.
The state also has limited new land available for agricultural development, meaning increasing paddy production depends on efforts to improve productivity on existing land.
Meanwhile, during the winding-up session, the councillor said the ‘paddy field revolution’ approach must involve comprehensive changes to the sector's structure and implementation, taking into account short-, medium-, and long-term solutions.
This effort requires cooperation between the state and federal governments, as most matters relating to the development of the paddy sector fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
