SIMANGGANG: A move to split the Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) into two units is expected to accelerate the state’s goal of becoming a major rice producer.
Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli said that the previous single-department structure was irrelevant.
“By dividing the department into specialised units, I believe the operations will become more effective,” he said during the 21st Benak Festival today (Dec 1).
He expressed confidence that this move would benefit key agricultural areas in the Batang Lupar parliamentary constituency, including Stumbin and Lingga.
Earlier, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that one JPS unit would operate under the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development, focusing on agricultural areas.
The other unit will function under the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, overseeing urban drainage and water management.
