HULU LANGAT, Oct 12 — The Selangor government continues to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries sectors through various initiatives supported under Budget 2026 to ensure the people’s well-being and the sustainability of the state’s food resources.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said paddy cultivation projects will be implemented through public-private partnerships (PPP) to address outdated irrigation systems that have affected crop yields.
“A total of RM1.1 billion in funding requests has been submitted to the federal government, bringing the total project value to RM2.2 billion. Among the main components are land approval and soil treatment, as well as upgrades to the irrigation system,” he said.
He said this after officiating the state-level World Rivers Day celebration at Taman Tasik Cempaka, Hulu Langat yesterday.
Izham said the initiative is expected to increase rice yields in the western region of Selangor, particularly from Kuala Selangor to Sabak Bernam, which are among the state’s main rice-producing areas.
The fisheries sector also received attention under Budget 2026, with the introduction of a RM300 monthly allowance for fishermen, in addition to assistance in the form of boat engines, fishing equipment, and gear.
“This initiative not only helps ease the financial burden of existing fishermen but also encourages more young people to venture into the fisheries industry as a viable and sustainable career,” Izham said.
He added that the continued commitment of both the state and federal governments in empowering fundamental sectors such as agriculture and fisheries demonstrates their serious effort to ensure food security and strengthen the rural economy in Selangor.
Pipe replacement
Separately, Izham said the state is targeting the replacement of 300km of old pipes each year at an estimated cost of around RM450 million to ensure residents enjoy a more stable, sustainable, and high-quality water supply, which will be carried out through the state’s annual allocation.
He said the initiative builds upon a pipe replacement plan launched two years ago, which has so far seen over 150km of old pipes replaced statewide.
“Even without federal support, Selangor has already been implementing this initiative. Our target is 300km annually. Two years ago, it was 150km, and now we’ve increased it to 300km a year, which amounts to about RM450 million in value.
“Our main challenge is not funding, but achieving that 300km target. It’s not easy because most of the work takes place in urban areas. So this year, we focused on obtaining the necessary permits and approvals,” he said.
Izham was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement during the Budget 2026 tabling that the federal government will undertake a nationwide pipe replacement programme covering over 820km in Selangor, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, and Pahang, costing RM3 billion next year.
Izham said in Selangor, the replacement works are carried out entirely by Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd using state funds, with additional support from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
"We still have about 5,300 kilometres of old pipes left to replace, down from 6,000 kilometres previously."
