By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 2: A mega flood mitigation project worth over RM2 billion for the Kuching City area is scheduled to be tendered this year as part of a long-term solution to address recurring flood issues.
In a TVS news report, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the high-impact project involves three main components: the construction of a barrage, canal, and bridge at Sungai Salak.
“What was approved under the 5th Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) only involved two packages, excluding the barrage.
“This time, the project will include the barrage with a cost of nearly RM2 billion across three work packages. God willing, the tender will open this year, and the project is expected to begin next year,” he said.
He said this when he was met by reporters at a programme held here today.
Fadillah said the implementation of the project will involve several ministries, including the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and the Ministry of Works.
The barrage to be built at Sungai Salak will function similarly to the existing barrage at Sungai Sarawak, which is designed to control seawater intrusion during high tide phenomena.
“When seawater rises during high tides, the barrage will be closed to prevent saltwater from entering,” he explained.
In addition to Kuching, several other flood mitigation and erosion repair projects are also planned in areas such as Sibu and Miri, subject to approval in next year’s national budget.
On July 31, it was reported that the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) for Kuching City is among 103 projects to be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a total allocation exceeding RM20 billion.
Tabling the 13MP in Parliament, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will gazette the National Climate Change Bill to regulate and coordinate the country’s climate actions.
In addition to Kuching, the flood mitigation projects will cover several key locations, including Sungai Langat and Sungai Buloh in Selangor, Sungai Golok in Kelantan, Sungai Gemencheh in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Sungai Baru in Melaka, Johor and Muar River Basins in Johor, and Pahang River Basin. — DayakDaily
