Kuching: The Kuching City Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) project, part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), will require an estimated RM2 billion, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The project is scheduled to be tendered this year and will include the construction of a canal, a bridge, and a barrage along Sungai Salak, with construction expected to commence next year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative aims to manage excess water by channeling it through Sungai Salak. Fadillah explained that a barrage would be constructed to prevent seawater intrusion, similar to the existing one at Sungai Sarawak, allowing for effective water control especially during high tides. This announcement was made at the opening ceremony of the He Medical Clinic.

The Kuching RTB is among several infrastructure projects under the 13MP from 2026 to 2030, designed to boost flood resilience and improve road access for public convenience. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while presenting the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31, revealed a RM20 billion budget for 103 RTB projects nationwide to mitigate disaster risks and impacts.

These projects include initiatives at Sungai Langat and Sungai Buloh in Selangor, Sungai Golok in Kelantan, Sungai Gemencheh in Negeri Sembilan, Sungai Baru in Melaka, Sungai Johor Basin and Sungai Muar Basin in Johor, Sungai Pahang Basin in Pahang, and in Kuching City, Sarawak.