KOTA BELUD: The irrigation problem affecting padi planting in Kampung Piasau Dundau here is being addressed following discussions between the government, relevant agencies and local residents.
Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said he visited the village to assess the condition of the irrigation system, which farmers had reported as problematic for the past three years.
He said the visit aimed to find an immediate solution to ensure farmers in the area can resume padi cultivation.
“We are here in Kampung Piasau Dundau to inspect the irrigation condition that has been reported over the past three years so that a solution can be found for villagers to plant padi again,” he said during a visit to the river in the village, recently.
Jamawi, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, said discussions were held with villagers, local leaders and representatives from relevant departments, including the Sabah Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
He said several short-term solutions had been agreed upon during the discussions to address the irrigation issue.
Jamawi gave assurance that farmers are expected to resume padi planting during the main planting season in August.
“I will return to this village in July to ensure that what has been discussed is properly arranged and implemented,” he said.
Earlier, Jamawi chaired the Sabah Padi Crop Industry Management and Development Meeting at the Datuk Musbah Jamli Open Hall before visiting padi fields under the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) implementation in Kg Piasau and Kg Tambulion.
