PADI - Foodbank and Paddy Processing Center

City University Malaysia

Project idea

PADI is envisioned as a comprehensive foodbank and paddy processing centre that serves as a critical resource for the communities of Selangor. Its core mission is to support local farmers and indigenous communities by providing the infrastructure and facilities needed to efficiently convert harvested paddy into high-quality rice grains. By centralising and streamlining the production process, PADI will enable mass production while maintaining quality and reducing post-harvest losses.

More than just a processing facility, PADI is designed as a community-centric programme that aligns with and enhances the indigenous way of life. It incorporates sustainable agricultural practices, respects local traditions, and promotes community participation. The centre will include modern milling equipment, quality control laboratories, storage units, packaging stations, and spaces for education and training—ensuring that traditional knowledge is preserved while integrating innovative techniques.

The broader vision of PADI extends beyond the borders of Selangor. With its emphasis on efficiency, quality, and community empowerment, PADI aims to become the largest, most reliable, and most advanced paddy supply hub not just within Malaysia, but across Southeast Asia. By establishing strong supply chains, fostering local economies, and promoting food security, PADI aspires to set a new standard in rice production and distribution throughout the region.

Project description

The global economy stood perilously close to a recession in 2023. This followed a year characterized by soaring inflation, worsening financial conditions, global conflicts, natural disasters, and a string of economic crises. In such turbulent times, smaller nations like Malaysia are especially vulnerable to economic shocks.

When the economy declines, one of the most critically affected sectors is food security. Rice, which constitutes 70 percent of Asia’s staple food, has seen alarming price increases, making it unaffordable for many in lower-income groups. This reinforces the essential role of paddy cultivation. Despite living in a modern world, society remains deeply dependent on agriculture, especially rice, as a primary food source.

The burden of sustaining this essential supply lies with the farmers, many of whom live in rural villages known as kampungs. Unfortunately, these farmers are often overlooked and underappreciated by society. While the demand for rice continues to climb, the contributions and struggles of these individuals are rarely acknowledged.

There is a common perception that existing rice production facilities are sufficient. However, PADI is not merely about production. It represents a deeper mission to integrate agricultural development with cultural preservation and community empowerment. PADI is about preserving a way of life.

PADI Foodbank and Paddy Processing Centre provides a dedicated space for the people of Selangor to efficiently mass-produce rice. At the same time, it functions as a cultural and social programme that supports and sustains indigenous lifestyles. PADI adopts a systematic and modernized approach, offering facilities that significantly enhance production quality and output.

PADI aims to become the largest, most efficient, and most refined paddy supply centre not only within Malaysia but across neighboring nations. Strategically located in Selangor, Malaysia’s largest paddy-producing state, the centre is established in Sekinchan, famously known as the Rice Bowl of Malaysia. The site encompasses 4,300 acres and is home to several traditional kampungs.

Technical information

The facility is divided into two main areas: the Plantation Quarter and the Processing Quarter. The Processing Quarter’s buildings are arranged in parallel to act as windbreaks, shielding the adjacent Plantation Quarter from excessive wind exposure. This design not only protects crops but also helps in reducing water evaporation.

Within the Plantation Quarter, a series of irregularly arranged Kotak Padi or paddy blocks further function as windbreaks. This arrangement is crucial for controlling wind speeds, specifically dispersing the region’s 3.5-knot wind to retain the water levels necessary for healthy paddy growth. Maintaining proper water levels is vital, as it suppresses weed growth and supports optimal cultivation.

The production cycle begins in the Plantation Quarter and flows into the Processing Quarter, where every structure corresponds to a specific stage in the post-harvest processing of paddy. This layout creates a streamlined and logical workflow for local farmers. By working within this system, Orang Kampong, the village people, are empowered to operate in a more structured and sustainable way.

The rice processing journey at the PADI Centre follows several key stages: Ngilang, Banting, Jemur, Tumbok, Tampi, Pemilihan Beras, and Pembungkusan Beras. These activities are organized by time and space, creating a structured and community-driven workflow.

Each day begins at 6:00 a.m. when Orang Kampong gather at the centre for morning prayers. This spiritual ritual fosters unity and strengthens communal bonds. After prayer, the villagers move to Pondok Rewang, a social and dining area. This hut features an open-plan layout with sliding partitions, symbolizing the interconnected lifestyle of the kampong community. Built with recycled bamboo, the space recreates a traditional kampong atmosphere.

The first stage is Ngilang Padi, which involves cleaning the harvested paddy by removing dirt, dried leaves, and roots. A woven bamboo basket is placed at the center of the activity to collect the waste, which is later recycled into biomass fertilizer to enrich the soil.

The next stage is Banting Padi, or threshing, where rice grains are separated from their husks. This process is done in a structure called the Terowong Buluh, designed with safety features inspired by the sekam padi (rice husk), which protects the grains. The upper part of the structure prevents villagers from falling during the activity.

After threshing, the villagers move to Ampaian Padi, the drying area. This space is equipped with a foldable ceiling that allows sunlight to reach the grains. It also has fabric shelves that stretch when ropes are pulled, increasing the drying surface area. This ensures efficient and even drying of the rice grains.

At 3:00 p.m., villagers begin Tumbok Padi, or milling. This process is divided into two methods: Tumbok Tangan (hand pounding) and Tumbok Kaki (foot pounding). Traditional milling tools are upgraded with larger mortars and storage shelves. A lever mechanism helps direct the milled grains into collection containers. In the Tumbok Kaki area, handles are provided for safety, and a basket connected to a lift mechanism collects the pounded grains.

Next is Tampi Padi, or filtering. Here, the milled grains are separated from their outer layers using a traditional tool called Nyiru. This tool is suspended with an adjustable cable, allowing users to change its height. An air filter at the top helps contain the husk particles, maintaining cleanliness.

The following step is Tapis Padi, which involves sorting rice by type. A spinning wheel structure automatically separates the grains based on size. This method is quick and efficient, showcasing the villagers’ practical and innovative spirit.

Tungkus Padi marks the final stage of processing. In this stage, the sorted rice is packed into sacks based on type. The Tungkus Padi tower is inspired by the shape of a paddy plant and constructed using neem wood, which naturally repels pests and reduces the risk of diseases such as leptospirosis.

Packing is done at Himpunan Guni, where food bags are arranged and labeled with content and contact information. This activity symbolizes compassion and community care. The space design draws inspiration from the grain patterns of rice, emphasizing unity and shared effort.

In the evening, the community gathers at Periuk Kawah, a communal kitchen centered around a large wok. This circular space promotes communication and teamwork during meal preparation. Breathing walls enhance ventilation and direct heat outward, maintaining a comfortable environment.

The heart of the centre is Titik Padi, a research space for rice seed development. The name means "seed of paddy" and symbolizes potential and growth. This facility helps develop climate-resilient rice varieties, contributing to the sustainability of Malaysia’s rice industry. Titik Padi provides tools for seed germination and seedling preparation, supporting a stable and secure food supply.

A sustainable feature of the centre is the Perigi Hujan, a rainwater harvesting system. It supports water conservation and cleanliness. This system also respects Malay traditions, allowing people to wash their feet before entering spaces. PADI works with the Bahagian Keselamatan dan Kualiti Makanan, a government agency, to ensure food safety and hygiene.

By incorporating these thoughtful features, PADI demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, cultural heritage, and community well-being. The centre serves not only as a processing hub but also as a symbol of empowerment, tradition, and environmental responsibility.