KENINGAU: The completion of a new irrigation canal in Kg Toboh Baru has brought renewed hope to the local farming community by significantly improving water supply to paddy fields, marking an important step forward in strengthening agricultural productivity in the area.
While the project has successfully addressed one of the community’s longstanding challenges, residents are now appealing for the next phase of rural development to include better road access, electricity and piped water supply to support both agricultural activities and future residential expansion.
Community spokesperson and full-time paddy farmer Anna Gabriel described the irrigation project as a major milestone for local farmers who have long struggled with inconsistent water supply during planting seasons.
She expressed the community’s heartfelt appreciation to Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Nik Mohd Nadzri Nik Zawawi for his continued commitment to addressing the needs of rural communities, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.
Anna also acknowledged the contributions of Luagan Mukim Development Officer Amanshah Osman, Kali Mukim Development Officer Zairul Abdullah, and Kampung Toboh Baru Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Chairperson Evelyn Mangata, whose collective efforts helped make the irrigation project a reality.
According to Anna, before the canal was constructed, farmers frequently faced water shortages, especially during critical planting periods. Limited water supply often disrupted planting schedules and reduced crop productivity, while competition for irrigation water created additional challenges among farmers.
“With the completion of the canal, water now flows much more efficiently into our paddy fields. It has greatly improved irrigation and reduced the water shortages that previously affected our farming activities,” she said.
She noted that a reliable irrigation system is fundamental to successful paddy cultivation, as adequate water supply directly influences crop growth, harvest quality and overall productivity.
Although the irrigation project has delivered immediate benefits, Anna stressed that it should be viewed as the beginning of a broader rural development initiative rather than its conclusion.
She said the community continues to face several pressing infrastructure needs that must be addressed to ensure sustainable agricultural and economic development.
Among the highest priorities, she explained, is the construction of proper access roads that would enable farmers to transport their produce more efficiently to markets while reducing transportation costs and travel time.
Improved road infrastructure would also encourage more farmers to cultivate idle agricultural land, contributing to increased food production and stronger rural economic activity.
In addition to better roads, residents are calling for the provision of electricity and piped water supply, which they consider essential for improving living standards and supporting future residential development.
Anna explained that Kampung Toboh Baru has experienced steady population growth over the years, resulting in increasingly limited residential space within the existing village area.
“Many residents would like to build homes near their farms so they can manage their agricultural activities more effectively. Unfortunately, without proper roads, electricity and clean water, it remains a significant challenge,” she said.
