By Shikin Louis
SAMARAHAN, Nov 29: The Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is set to be restructured into two dedicated entities this year, to better address the distinct needs of agriculture and urban water management.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the ‘Farm’ DID unit will focus on agricultural water needs, including irrigation systems for farming, and will operate under the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD).
Meanwhile, the ‘Urban’ DID unit will handle urban water management, including drainage systems in towns and cities, under the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG).
“I have instructed the Sarawak Secretary (Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki) to implement it this year,” he told reporters at a press conference after launching the Mid-Sadong I Scheme in Lubok Punggor drainage and irrigation infrastructure project at the site today.
An audio recording of the press conference was made available to the press after the event.
He further said the Sarawak government has earmarked RM1 billion for the Sarawak Paddy Infrastructure Development Programme starting with a 520-hectare project in Lubok Punggor.
An initial sum of RM30 million has been allocated to develop 54.4 hectares of land first.
“The said budget will be given to M-FICORD which will establish the dedicated agricultural irrigation unit.
“On the other hand, the urban water management unit will remain under the jurisdiction of the MPHLG,” he added.
Abang Johari stated that the paddy cultivation project in Lubok Punggor will be expanded to other areas, including Tanjung Purun (Lundu), as well as Lingga and Stumbin (Sri Aman).
He expressed confidence that these combined projects, covering approximately 3,000 hectares, could fulfil up to 50 per cent of Sarawak’s rice demand.
He also highlighted plans to extend this approach to Limbang, Lawas, and smaller farming areas like Spaoh and Ba’Kelalan, targeting a total potential cultivation area of 61,340 hectares, to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2030, possibly earlier by 2027.
Apart from rice, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government plans to diversify its agricultural sector by focusing on key crops like coconuts and pineapples alongside rice as the backbone of downstream agricultural industries. — DayakDaily
