TENOM: The irrigation system in all villages within the Melalap State Assembly (DUN) area will be enhanced more efficiently to assist rice farmers, said the State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, who is also the Melalap Assemblyman, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
He said that feedback was received from rice farmers in Kampung Kasiai, Kampung Langsat, Kampung Sawang, Kampung Jawa Sumbiling, and Kampung Babalang regarding issues with the irrigation system that affect rice planting activities.
“For instance, in Kampung Kasiai, which we visited the day before yesterday, farmers are unable to cultivate rice because the irrigation system is not functioning properly.
“The major flood last year destroyed the wall built by the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), as informed by the District JPS Engineer, Lahaman Dahing. Therefore, new construction will take place this year,” he said.
Jamawi stated that he will ensure all villages with rice paddy areas in DUN Melalap receive assistance for improving the irrigation system.
“We will straighten the river to ensure a better water supply for irrigation, including in Kampung Kasiai.
“In Kampung Langsat, the irrigation system is still disorganised and uses old methods like stone and sack arrangements, as is the case in Kampung Sawang,” he said while inspecting an irrigation project completed last year at Sungai Kampung Kalang, which has positively impacted rice planting in the area.
Jamawi also expressed appreciation to the JPS engineer who was willing to go to the field together, even on weekends.
Also present were Community Development Leader (PPM) Denesly Justin and staff from the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) of DUN Melalap.
