by David E.
TENOM: Oct 3, 2026 – The State Government has allocated RM10 million to upgrade the irrigation system at Poguokon-Lagud Seberang here, a move expected to benefit more than 100 padi farmers.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the project was needed due to sedimentation, pump damage and irrigation system problems that caused insufficient water supply to irrigate about 300 hectares of paddy fields.
The state government recently approved the application by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS).
“The implementation of this project will provide relief to more than 100 padi farmers in Poguokon, Manining, Lagud Seberang and Pansailon, including nearby areas,” he said after officiating the World Rivers Day celebration at Dewan Datuk Sanggau Jalang here today.
He added that JPS was also upgrading the water pump in Makakumpai, where padi could not be planted for more than 10 years due to pump and water channel damage. Repair work will continue despite facing wire theft.
In Kalang, a dam worth about RM250,000 has been completed to irrigate paddy fields. In Melalap, three water dams worth RM200,000 each have been approved and are being implemented for about 250 acres of paddy fields in Kampung Langsat, Kampung Kasiai and Kampung Ulu Sumbiling.
The government has also provided RM7 million for a water drainage control system in the town area and RM2.5 million to prevent soil erosion at the Murut Cultural Centre, Tenom.
Jamawi said the distribution of ploughing, planting and harvesting machinery to farmers will be completed at the Sabah Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNS) celebration in Tenom from Oct 23 to 25. The opening ceremony will be officiated by the Chief Minister on Oct 24 at 10am.
“We welcome all communities, farmers, breeders, fishermen, rubber tappers and anyone interested in the agricultural industry to come in large numbers.
On World Rivers Day, he said rivers are not only a source of food but also drinking water. Their cleanliness and quality must be safeguarded by villagers and surrounding communities.
“If this source is polluted, the entire flow will be polluted and provide less clean water for all Sabahans to enjoy,” he said.
