Irrigation Areas Act, 1953.

The Act regulates the establishment of irrigation areas and applies only to the States of West Malaysia. The irrigation areas shall be declared by the appropriate authority by notification in the Official Gazette; no land within an irrigation area destined to the cultivation of padi shall be used for other purposes, unless expressely authorized by the competent officer (sect. 5). The appropriate authority may also approve a classification of the irrigation areas, and consequently impose water rates. The Drainage and Irrigation Engineer may provide for the construction or maintenance of waterworks, provided a reasonable compensation be paid to the owner or occupier for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising therefrom. Specific provisions are made to avoid the waste and obstruction of water and penalties are established (a) for the construction of unauthorized waterways, (b) for the unauthorized use of vehicles and boats, and (c) for the pollution of water.