TWO PROJECTS COSTING RM51.5 MILLION TO REDUCE FLOOD RISK IN SARAWAK

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) – The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), has listed two projects costing RM51.5 million under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as part of efforts to mitigate flooding in Sarawak.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the projects involved the rehabilitation of the Batang Kemena Estuary in Bintulu Division and the Trusan River Estuary in Limbang Division.

“The main scope of these projects is to deepen the rivers to increase their capacity to accommodate high water flow, especially during the rainy season.

“PETRA, through DID, will also submit a proposal for the Miri River Estuary Rehabilitation Project in Miri Division, involving dredging works estimated to cost RM16.6 million under RP2 of 13MP,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.

He was replying to a question from Senator Abun Sui Anyit, who had wanted to know about flood mitigation measures and plans to address worsening floods that have submerged many homes, particularly in the Trusan, Kemena, and Miri rivers in Sarawak, where the estuaries are becoming increasingly shallow.

Fadillah said PETRA, through DID, is also implementing the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) within the Miri River Basin at a total cost of RM31 million.

“This project covers the areas of Lutong, Krokop, and Jalan Jee Foh. Once completed, it is expected to protect more than 5,000 residents from flood risks and reduce the flood-prone area by up to 600 hectares.

“Physical works began in October 2023, with the latest on-site progress at 28.16 per cent. The project is expected to be completed by January 2026,” he said.

As a short-term solution, he said DID is carrying out minor works under the River Rehabilitation Project to reduce flood risks.

“A total allocation of RM37.8 million was channelled to Sarawak between 2022 and 2024 for 360 quotations, focusing on key works such as river channelling, riverbank stabilisation, and upgrading drainage and related structures to improve river water quality.

“The list of projects for this year is currently being finalised, with a total allocation of RM13.1 million,” he added.

-- BERNAMA