By Karen Bong
SIBU, Oct 24: The Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Study for the Batang Rajang River Basin is expected to be completed in August 2027, providing an action plan to assist the Sarawak government in managing the river basin in a more integrated, systematic and sustainable manner.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said the study was part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen comprehensive river management planning.
“This basin is one of nine river basins in Sarawak involved in the implementation of IRBM studies.
“The findings of this study are expected to provide an action plan to assist the Sarawak Government in planning river management in a more integrated, systematic and sustainable manner,” he said in his speech when speaking during the National-Level World Rivers Day Celebration 2026 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
He said the study was important to ensure that water resources were preserved, flood risks reduced and development carried out with due consideration for community well-being and environmental sustainability.
Fadillah emphasised that rivers played an important role in the daily lives of communities, serving as sources of water, transportation routes and places where people earned their livelihoods through economic and social activities.
“They also provided opportunities for recreation and environmental appreciation.
“However, river cannot be separated from their surrounding environment. The conditions of catchment areas, environmental cleanliness and the way we use land can all influence the condition of our rivers. This is why river conservation must begin with an awareness of our relationship with nature,” he added.
Fadillah stressed that river conservation was not the responsibility of the government alone, but also required the involvement of local communities, industries, non-governmental organisations and the younger generation.
He said collective efforts, including refraining from dumping rubbish into rivers and reporting pollution, could make a significant difference in protecting water resources.
Fadillah said the success of river management initiatives required close cooperation between the Sarawak government, implementing agencies, local authorities and the public.
“We want our rivers to remain clean and our water resources to maintain their quality. We also want communities to become more aware of disaster risks and the importance of protecting the environment. All of this begins when we recognise rivers as an integral part of our lives that must be protected, rather than merely used,” he reminded.
The National-Level World Rivers Day Celebration 2026, themed “Rivers and Streams in Our Communities”, was held to promote awareness, education and community participation in river conservation.
The celebration featured various activities, including environmental education programmes, recreational activities, exhibitions and the presentation of the 2026 Special Water Resources Award (AKSA), recognising communities for their commitment to river preservation, conservation and management.
The celebration was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and attended by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, PETRA secretary general Dato Sri Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, DID Malaysia director general Datuk Ir Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib and DID Sarawak director Datu Ir Ahamd Denny Ahmad Fauzi. — DayakDaily
