By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 13: The federal Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), has allocated RM2.36 billion for 23 flood mitigation projects in Sarawak to address the State’s recurring flood problems.
Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, said DID has identified several key factors contributing to flooding nationwide, including in Sarawak, namely significantly increased rainfall, ineffective drainage systems, low-lying areas, as well as rapid development and land use changes.
“In Puncak Borneo parliamentary constituency specifically, the main challenge lies in drainage issues that hamper the area’s ability to channel water effectively during heavy rain,” he said in reply to Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin during the ministerial question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today, as reported by TVS.
Akmal revealed that the RM2.36 billion allocation covers the construction and upgrading of flood mitigation infrastructure, the implementation of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB), eco-friendly drainage systems, and river and coastal works.
For Puncak Borneo, he said RM1.13968 million had been channelled between 2022 and 2024 for river conservation works at six locations. The scope of works included river clearing, bank stabilisation, and upgrading of channels and related structures.
“For 2025, an additional RM280,000 has been allocated for two similar projects, which are expected to be completed by November 2025,” he added. — DayakDaily
