Minister to address Irrigation issues for Struggling Farmers

10 March 2026

KOTA BELUD: Irrigation issues plaguing rice cultivation in Kampung Piasau Dundau here, reported for the past three years, were discussed with residents and relevant agencies to find immediate solutions.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, visited the village to inspect the irrigation system firsthand, addressing farmers' concerns.

“We are in Kampung Piasau Dundau to assess the irrigation situation reported three years ago, aiming for solutions so residents can resume rice planting,” he said during a visit to the village river, Yesterday.

He was accompanied by the Director of the Sabah Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), Siraja Bashora.

Jamawi assured farmers they could resume planting for the main August season.

 “I will return in July to ensure all discussions are implemented,” he added.

The meeting involved villagers, local leaders, and departmental representatives.

“We discussed with residents, local leadership, and relevant departments,” said the Melalap State Assemblyman.

“We will address what the local farmers raised,” he noted.

Several short-term solutions were agreed upon. Jamawi stressed ensuring their execution.

“As the responsible party, I will see this resolved.”

He apologised for any past shortcomings and pledged collaborative efforts, reaffirming commitment to the best irrigation solutions.

Earlier, Jamawi chaired the Sabah Rice Crop Industry Management and Development Meeting at the Datuk Haji Musbah Haji Jamli open hall.

Attendees included Tempasuk State Assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari; Deputy Chairman of the Paddy and Rice Regulatory Authority (LPBS), Datuk Hj Musbah Hj Jamli (former Tempasuk State Assemblyman ), MAFFI Permanent Secretary Datuk Jumain Abd. Ghani; Deputy Permanent Secretary Awang Dzulkernain Awang Hassan, Agriculture Department Director Datuk Ts. Jifrin Mohamad; LIGS General Manager Sabdil Tanjong; LPBS General Manager Datuk Ramle Kasin; MAFFI department heads; agency representatives under MAFFI; and Federal Government officials.

Jamawi also toured integrated agricultural development paddy fields in Kg. Piasau and Kg. Tambulion under IADA.

Separately, he attended an iftar gathering hosted by Mohd. Arsad at Dewan Arsad Tempasuk with over 500 villagers, distributing aid to Asnaf around the Tempasuk constituency.