By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 10: A group of residents in Desa Wira, Batu Kawa, are seeking the immediate suspension of a flood mitigation project featuring a retention, or dry, pond, until their concerns, particularly over engineering, environmental and safety studies, are addressed, warning that legal action may be considered if the project proceeds without resolution.
Persatuan Kebajikan Penduduk Desa Wira Batu Kawa chairperson Dr Chang Li Kuin, who has lived in Desa Wira for the past 17 years and resides near the project site, said the residents were not opposed to flood mitigation efforts, but questioned the lack of transparency and consultation surrounding Phase Two of the project, which is being implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
“We are not anti-government and not against flood mitigation. But this project is right next to our homes. We are asking for an immediate suspension until engineering, hydrological and environmental studies are fully disclosed and our concerns properly addressed,” she told a press conference held at a hotel here today.
Also present were two other residents, Joseph Dagu and Joel Yahya, who have lived in Desa Wira for more than 20 years.
The flood mitigation project was initiated following severe flooding in Desa Wira, where heavy rainfall on Dec 31, 2025 and in early January this year forced the relocation of 277 residents from 73 families to Stapok community hall and Surau Nurul Najihin’s hall in Kampung Stapok. The evacuees remained at the temporary relief centres for five days.
To address recurring floods in the low-lying area, a two-phase flood mitigation project was launched in 2025 under the initiative of Batu Kawa assemblyman and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Phase One of the project is now nearing completion.
However, Dr Chang said residents were particularly concerned about Phase Two, which involves the construction of another large retention pond located close to residential houses, as well as river walls approximately five metres high that would enclose parts of the area.
She claimed affected residents were not briefed prior to the commencement of works, with a townhall session only held on Jan 27, after construction activities had already begun.
“That briefing was more of a one-way presentation. We asked questions about hydrological studies, pumping capacity and what would happen if the system became overloaded, but no satisfactory answers were given. Despite our concerns, we were told the project would proceed,” she said.
Dr Chang said residents’ fears were grounded in past experience during Phase One, where excavation works near a retention pond had allegedly caused structural damage to nearby properties.
“I have a forensic report documenting damage to houses near the Phase One retention pond,” she said, adding that while some residents were compensated, others were not. “So this is not speculation. Damage has already happened.”
She also raised safety concerns, particularly involving children, citing signage at detention ponds that disclaim responsibility in the event of accidents.
“We have seen tragedies elsewhere, such as in Sibu Jaya (where three children drowned). Fencing alone is not foolproof. If something happens here, who will ultimately be responsible?,” she questioned.
Among the residents’ key demands are full disclosure of any environmental impact assessments, hydrological and engineering studies, and risk assessments related to the project.
Dr Chang said residents were never shown any such reports, leaving them uncertain whether these studies had even been conducted.
“If there is an objective, independent study showing that this design is safe and effective, we are open to being convinced. But nothing has been shared with us, only a few presentation slides,” she said.
She further questioned long-term maintenance and accountability, pointing to potential issues such as mosquito breeding, rubbish accumulation, equipment failure and odour if the retention pond is not properly managed.
Dr Chang also highlighted alternative measures that residents believe should be prioritised, including upgrading earth drainage, clearing and maintaining drains, removing sediment buildup, and widening and deepening rivers downstream.
“If downstream blockages are not addressed, no amount of walls or ponds will solve the problem. If these basic issues had been dealt with properly, a massive retention pond might not even be necessary,” she stressed.
He said residents had submitted formal letters, emails and petitions, lodged police reports and sought legal advice, leading to the formation of the residents’ association as a collective response to the issue. Despite this, she said they have yet to receive any satisfactory response from the authorities.
It is understood that technical aspects of the project were explained at length during the Jan 27 townhall session by professional flood, stormwater and drainage engineers from both DID and the project’s consulting firm.
According to the engineers, the retention facility is designed as a dry pond, meaning it remains dry most of the time and only holds water during periods of heavy rainfall. The pond is fully fenced at all times, whether dry or wet, to enhance safety.
They explained that the pond collects excess rainwater that would otherwise flood Desa Wira. When water in the pond reaches a certain level, pumps will be activated to discharge the water into the adjacent river. Drainage systems throughout Desa Wira have also been upgraded to channel runoff into Retention Pond One and Retention Pond Two as part of an integrated flood control system.
According to a statement issued today by the Kampung Desa Ria Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK), the Jan 27 townhall session drew around 150 residents, along with representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Padawan Municipal Council, Kuching Resident’s Office, Kuching District Office, local community leaders, the project consultant and the contractor.
While some residents from Kampung Desa Wira raised concerns about potential impacts during Phase Two, engineers provided detailed explanations and assurances, with the majority of attendees reportedly expressing strong support for the project.
A committee member from Surau Nurul Najihin described the project as a long-awaited solution.
“The flood mitigation project is a source of hope for Desa Wira. We are grateful to YB Datuk Amar Sim for implementing solutions that were never realised previously,” the committee member said, adding that even at 50 per cent completion, the project had already reduced flooding.
“We hope future plans will include widening and reinforcing the river at Pine Square, supported by geographical studies to divert rainwater flow.”
Tuai Rumah Jeki Entebar of Lorong 22 Desa Wira voiced strong support for the project, saying it was essential for flood control in low-lying areas. “Those who object has self interest. This project should continue.”
Penghulu Stanley of Desa Wira echoed similar sentiments, saying recurring floods during the monsoon season had caused repeated losses and urging residents not to obstruct the project.
Kapitan Voon of Batu Kawa also highlighted the wider benefits of the flood mitigation reservoir, noting that the dry pond could double as a recreational space during dry periods.
“This is an effective solution for residents who have long suffered from flooding, as it can help prevent property losses caused by floods. In addition, the flood mitigation reservoir not only stores excess rainwater during heavy rainfall, but during dry seasons the dry pond can also serve as a recreational park — providing residents with a pleasant place for walking and leisure.”
Despite the explanations and assurances, Dr Chang reiterated that the residents she represents are seeking a temporary suspension, not cancellation, of the project.
“We are asking for transparency, independent reviews and meaningful consultation. If studies show that the project is safe and effective, we are prepared to listen,” she added.
Dr Chang also appealed to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to intervene, saying a fair and transparent process would benefit both residents and the authorities.
“We respectfully ask the Premier to listen to us and to suspend this project until all studies are completed, transparency is ensured and residents are properly consulted. This is our right as residents, and we believe a fair process will benefit all parties involved,” she said. — DayakDaily
