Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), has announced two projects costing RM51.5 million under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) aimed at mitigating flooding in Sarawak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, stated that the projects involve 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 handle high water flow, particularly during the rainy season.

PETRA, through DID, also plans to propose the Miri River Estuary Rehabilitation Project in Miri Division, which involves dredging works estimated to cost RM16.6 million under RP2 of 13MP. This was conveyed during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara, addressing a query from Senator Abun Sui Anyit about flood mitigation measures for areas such as the Trusan, Kemena, and Miri rivers in Sarawak.

Fadillah further mentioned that PETRA, through DID, is implementing the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) within the Miri River Basin at a total cost of RM31 million. The project covers areas like Lutong, Krokop, and Jalan Jee Foh, and aims to protect more than 5,000 residents from flood risks while reducing the flood-prone area by up to 600 hectares. Physical works began in October 2023, with the current progress at 28.16 percent, and completion is expected by January 2026.

As a short-term measure, DID is conducting minor works under the River Rehabilitation Project to mitigate flood risks. An allocation of RM37.8 million was provided to Sarawak between 2022 and 2024 for 360 quotations focused on river channelling, riverbank stabilisation, and upgrading drainage and related structures to improve river water quality. The list of projects for the current year is being finalised, with a total allocation of RM13.1 million.