Kota Kinabalu: The State Legislative Assembly was told that flood mitigation efforts for Kampung Ansip, Sook, remain subject to Federal funding approval under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Assistant Agriculture, Fishery and Food Industry Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam said the Ministry, through the Sabah Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) and in collaboration with JPS Malaysia, had applied for funding under the First and Second Rolling Plans of the 13MP for the Sungai Pegalan Flood Mitigation Plan in Keningau.
“However, the project was not shortlisted for submission to the Ministry of Economy, and Sabah DID will resubmit the application in the next rolling plan,” he said in response to a question by Sook Assemblyman Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.
He said if approved, the project is expected to take five years to complete, covering consultancy services and physical works.
Ruslan added that short-term measures have been implemented, including drainage maintenance works to ensure smoother floodwater flow in Kampung Ansip.
He said small-scale works such as the maintenance of the Kampung Ansip Pagalungan flood retention pond, completed in August 2023, were carried out to expedite water discharge when river levels recede.
Responding to a supplementary question by Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, Agriculture, Fishery and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the Ministry, through the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS), has adopted sustainable development practices to address environmental concerns linked to flooding.
“Among the measures is prohibiting the use of bulldozers in terrace construction to reduce the risk of slope failure and soil erosion, allowing only excavators for more controlled and safer earthworks,” he said.
He said terrace construction must follow the natural contours of hills to maintain soil stability and minimise disruption to the original landscape.
Jamawi said riparian reserve areas are preserved by enforcing a buffer zone of at least 40 metres from riverbanks to protect water sources and reduce impacts on river ecosystems.
He added that ground cover crops such as Mucuna bracteata are planted and maintained to reduce erosion, retain soil moisture and improve soil structure stability.
“Terracing on land with slopes exceeding 25 degrees is also prohibited,” he said.
Jamawi said in 2025, one project, TBB Pahu Jaya, covering 58.59 hectares, is in the development phase, while two new projects, TBB Sinopukan and TBB Nulu, covering 38 and 52 hectares respectively, will be implemented this year.
He added that LIGS is the only rubber industry-related agency in Malaysia to have been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council certification for sustainable forest management in rubber plantation projects in Sabah.
“This recognition reflects LIGS’ commitment to sustainable development, particularly in ensuring comprehensive environmental conservation, including the protection of sensitive areas such as river systems and related ecosystems,” he said.