Kota Kinabalu: The State Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is developing mechanisms to enforce the Sabah Water Resources Enactment 1998, especially on royalty issues, to improve the management of water sources and generate revenue for the State.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said if the articles and terms in the Enactment were properly enforced, the State Government can expect up to RM17 million in annual revenue just from water resources through the State DID.
He said the implementation will certainly take into account the possible economic and social impact on various parties.
Speaking at the launch of the Sabah DID Strategic Organisation Plan (2021-2025) at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru here Friday, Jeffrey said the enactment was passed in 1998 but was never enforced.
“We hope this can be implemented soon, this year, especially with the launch of this strategic plan,” he said.
He added that by not enforcing the enactment, the State would continue to face issues such as river reserves not being set aside prior to development, as well as land acquisition complications, among others.
Dr Jeffrey said other issues related to water catchments and usage of water resources, and the absence of royalty claims or payments for hydro-related industries.
He said there should be collection of royalty in water resource management but for the moment, Sabah was not getting any because the enactment was not enforced.
He said the related authorities will ensure that preparations for the collection of water revenue was ready so that the enforcement could commence smoothly.
He also hoped that the DID Strategic Plan, which comprises four main thrusts and 23 strategies, would contribute to the growth of Sabah’s economic ecosystem, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative.
Also present at the event were Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Dr Mariana Tinggal and State DID Director Waily Harim.
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