MAHA 2026 Laman Padi Sets Malaysia Book Of Records Mark For Paddy Art

By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar

SERDANG, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Paddy Art at Laman Padi, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026, has earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).

The artwork, recognised as 'The Largest Paddy Art Formation', depicts the Jalur Gemilang with heart and hand motifs and the word ‘Jati’. It was crafted using a staged planting technique, creating distinct colour variations based on crop maturity levels.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the Paddy Art utilised the MR284 paddy variety and was produced through a strategic collaboration with the private sector.

He said the initiative shows how paddy fields can serve purposes beyond food production and become key attractions through creative and innovative agrotourism.

"This recognition proves the nation's agricultural sector can produce unique and creative outputs while opening avenues for new value creation," he said at the MAHA 2026 Laman Padi opening at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) today.

He added that MAHA 2026 Laman Padi, developed on a seven-acre (2.83 hectare) site, features seven paddy plots and two information centres and galleries, each offering visitors a distinct narrative and experience.

Mohamad said paddy fields can no longer be viewed solely as grain-producing areas because of their potential for technology, education, employment, and value creation through agrotourism.

He said agrotourism is gaining traction, especially among urban communities and the younger generation, who have less exposure to agricultural activities.

"Paddy fields can be leveraged by introducing specific attractions or amenities that draw tourists, generating supplementary income for farmers and local communities," he said.

Meanwhile, Paddy Industry Development Division (PIP) secretary Shamsul Akbar Sulaiman said Laman Padi aims to attract about 10,000 visitors daily during the 10-day MAHA 2026 exhibition. It recorded 4,000 visitors yesterday.

He said Laman Padi integrates traditional and modern elements to show the evolution of the rice and paddy industry from past to present.

"An infotainment approach has been incorporated to enable visitors not only to gain information and knowledge on paddy and rice but also to explore various activities, demonstrations, promotions, and interactive showcases," he said.

Educational elements are emphasised, especially for the younger generation, with around 10 schools participating in paddy-related activities that give students hands-on experience in paddy planting.

Shamsul Akbar said Laman Padi serves as a strategic collaboration platform between the government and private-sector companies across the paddy and rice industry value chain, including BERNAS and other players, with participating companies able to promote and showcase their products to visitors.

Laman Padi also offers a wide array of food choices and culinary concepts from across the country, he added.

-- BERNAMA