KUALA LUMPUR: The government is open to considering a proposal to provide small allocations to communities in rural and village areas for minor maintenance works on a voluntary basis.
Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the proposal could help expedite maintenance work but requires careful study due to implementation challenges.
He explained that not all areas are suitable for community-based efforts because of cost and logistical factors during the Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat.
“In principle, most maintenance work falls under the jurisdiction of the state governments,” he said in response to a question from Afnan Hamimi Datuk Taib Azamudden.
The Alor Setar MP had asked whether the government plans to provide small allocations to associations for periodic minor maintenance work.
Akmal Nasrullah cited Johor as an example where part of the state’s allocation is channelled to village associations or committees, especially in rural areas.
He noted that challenges arise when maintenance work requires machinery or specialised equipment, making community implementation less cost-effective.
The deputy minister emphasised that community gotong-royong activities remain encouraged for continuous maintenance efforts.
He said cooperation among villagers can prevent larger problems from developing over time.
This approach aligns with ongoing maintenance programmes organised by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
Addressing inter-agency coordination, Akmal Nasrullah said DID is always ready to collaborate with related agencies.
Such cooperation strengthens cross-agency coordination for integrated river maintenance work.
He clarified that Muda Agricultural Development Authority and state DID offices have respective responsibilities in managing drainage issues.
These agencies complement each other in maintaining infrastructure within their catchment areas.
MADA, under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, develops and manages irrigation and drainage systems in rice bowl areas.
The authority handles operations and maintenance for these agricultural water systems.
DID, under the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, manages rivers, eco-friendly drainage and local projects.
These local projects receive funding through government budgets for implementation. – Bernama
