Drainage and Irrigation Ordinance, 1956 (No. 15)

The present Ordinance makes provision in matter of establishment, arrangement and management of drainage and irrigation areas throughout the State of Sabah. In accordance with Section 3, the Governor may declare any land in Sabah falling within the area affected by any drainage or irrigation works to be a drainage area, an irrigation area or even both. The declaration shall define the boundaries of the area concerned. Moreover, the Governor shall set up Committees with respect to each area declared to be a drainage or irrigation area (Section 4). Section 6 provides for the destination of certain areas exclusively for padi cultivation. The above-mentioned Committees shall classify lands falling within their respective drainage or irrigation areas in accordance with their utilization. Section 11 regards special supply of water upon request of owners or occupiers of lands. Sections 17 and 18 refer to offences relating to obstruction or damage of irrigation and drainage works and to waste or obstruction of water.