Tenom: Problems caused by collapsed paddy field water dams at Sungai Malutut and Oloson, Melalap, due to last year’s major floods will be addressed soon to ensure paddy cultivation can continue in the affected areas.
State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaffar said the reconstruction of the dams and improvements to the irrigation system will be implemented promptly to restore water supply to the paddy fields.
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The measures will cover areas including Kampung Kasiai, Langsat, Sawang, Sumbiling, and several surrounding villages home to many paddy farmers.
“We will carry out new construction and straighten the river so that irrigation can be distributed more effectively, especially in Kampung Kasiai.
“In Kampung Langsat, the irrigation system still uses old methods such as stacking stones and gunny sacks, and this needs improvement. The same situation also occurs in Kampung Sawang,” he said on Monday.
Jamawi, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, said that farmer welfare remains a government priority, alongside providing technical assistance and operational support to reduce crop losses.
He added that cooperation with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID/JPS) and local authorities is being strengthened to monitor and manage water drainage systems, particularly in flood-prone areas in Melalap.
Meanwhile, paddy farmer Junaidi Ampingan hoped that the dam reconstruction will be carried out quickly to benefit all farmers still cultivating in the area.
Another farmer, Marius Umbol, hoped the project will be completed before the main paddy planting season in 2026 so Kampung Kasiai’s fields can be fully cultivated.
Earlier, Jamawi also inspected a completed paddy field water dam project by JPS Tenom in Kampung Kalang.
