KENINGAU: The Keningau Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) is rotating the distribution of water supply to paddy fields under the Bingkor and Bingkor Lama Irrigation Scheme from Nov. 1 to Jan. 23, 2024.
Assistant Public Works Minister Datuk Robert Tawik @ Nordin said this is due to the hot weather that hit the district lately.
He said the Keningau JPS District Engineer has issued a circular to all Village Heads, JKKK Chairman and Block Leaders in the areas involved.
“The water distribution schedule to the paddy fields has also been issued by the Keningau Department of Agriculture, therefore the Village Heads, JKKK Chairmen and Block Leaders need to inform all farmers in their respective villages or blocks,” he said.
According to Robert who is also Bingkor Assemblyman, JPS’ action of rotating the distribution of water to the paddy fields is to enable farmers to get equal distribution of water.
At the same time, Robert said it was made based on the condition of the Bayayo River which is getting shallower.
Keningau JPS District Engineer Ir Dachord J. Moujing said they are rotating the distribution of water supply to rice fields due to the current low water capacity from the main source, the Bayayo River.
He said, Bayayo River water at this point is not enough to be distributed to the entire Bingkor and Bingkor Lama Irrigation Scheme simultaneously.
“Thus, it is requested to all JKKK Chairmen, Village Heads, Block Heads and Block Committees involved in the Bingkor and Bingkor Lama Irrigation Schemes to inform the farmers to store water in the paddy fields until the quantity of water in the Bayayo River returns to normal,” he said.
He said the department’s circular had been copied to the Keningau District Officer, Keningau District Agriculture Officer and Community Development Leader (PPM) Bingkor.
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