Official Website of Department of Irrigation & Drainage Sabah

DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES

IRRIGATION & AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE

1. Irrigation and drainage facilities will be provided to enable the cultivation of food crops mainly paddy in line with the State Agriculture Policy to support and encourage food production.

2. In the development, upgrading, rehabilitation and operation of irrigation and drainage schemes, environmental and water resource issues will be given due consideration. In particular, measures for improved irrigation efficiency, water saving/recycling and water table control will be incorporated.

FLOOD MITIGATION AND URBAN DRAINAGE

1. Rivers serving as main drainage channels in populated and agricultural areas will be maintained periodically to ensure their hydraulic efficiency. River reserve will be retained or created as buffer zone to protect water quality. In this regard, alienation of riparian reserve and development within the active zone of rivers are discouraged. Under normal circumstances, structural measures to protect river banks against erosion will not be carried out as such measures are unsustainable and not cost-effective. Resettlement of inhabitants staying in the river reserve/riparian reserve/river active zone will be recommended as a preferred option wherever possible.

2. Flood mitigation works including urban trunk drainage systems will be planned, developed, operated and maintained to improve living conditions of the people and to provide a more conducive environment for economic activities both in the rural and urban areas. Natural water bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands will be retained or enhanced consistent with good engineering and environmental practices to function as integral components of the entire flood mitigation system.

3. Storm water and drainage management for physical development particularly within the urban areas will be in line with the 'DID Storm Water Management Manual for Malaysia (MSMA)' based on the approach of 'Discharge Control at Source', to regulate the quantity and to improve the quality of surface runoff generated, thus contributing towards sustainable development.

WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Water resources in the State will be managed in accordance with the Sabah Water Resources Master Plan and the Water Resources Enactment 1998 (and any revisions/amendments thereof) through cooperation and collaboration with all stakeholders in both the public and private sector to sustain economic, social and environmental uses.