DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN SABAH HAS REACHED A CRITICAL LEVEL

"Sabah has the lowest density level of drainage and irrigation in the country, which is below the national standard measured at 30 metres of canal waterways per hectare.

“Most of the systems are old and we still use water pumps that were installed during the Usno administration while some were commissioned during the colonial era,”

"In fact, the level of our drainage and irrigation system is below 20 metres of canal waterways per hectare which affecting padi production in the State,"

"If Sabah wants to produce seven to 10 metric tonnes per hectare, the density level of drainage and irrigation in the State has to be around 40 metres of canal waterways per hectare.

"Hence, we would need lots of funding from the Government to enhance our drainage and irrigation system in the State,"

"Self-sufficiency of rice in Sabah is only at 30 per cent and we are still importing rice which accounts for 70 per cent of our food bill.

"Thus, efforts need to be doubled to raise padi production in Sabah to reduce our food import bill and one of its essential needs would be improving and upgrading the drainage and irrigation system in the State,"

State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin