By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 23: The Sarawak government has allocated RM19.88 million to transform a park near Pine Square in MJC, Batu Kawah into and anti-flood park, featuring a sunken basin or ‘dry pond’ designed to mitigate flooding with the first phase of the construction work is set to commence tomorrow (May 24) and is expected to be completed in May 2026.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian disclosed that the project, covering an area of approximately 4.2 acres with a dry pond with a depth of two metres, has been awarded to M/S Wawasan Capital Limited following the completion of an open tender bidding process.
“This project represents a proactive measure to alleviate flooding issues stemming from excessive rainwater, which could be channelled to nearby rivers such as Sungai Maong Kanan.
“This project is finalised following extensive discussions and studies conducted by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak which have led to the identification of the project site, aiming to curtail frequent flooding incidents in this area,” he said in a statement after witnessing the handing over of the first phase of the project to the contractor on Tuesday (May 21).
Dr Sim, who is, also Batu Kawah assemblyman, underscored the dual functionality of the anti-flood park.
Primarily, he said it serves to hold and redirect surplus rainwaters during intense and heavy downpours, which would subsequently be released into Sungai Maong River after rainfall ceases, thus mitigating flood risks.
“Additionally, during dry spells, the area remains dry and can be utilised as a recreational space, potentially accommodating activities such as soccer for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Highlighting the urgency imposed by global climate change, Dr Sim emphasised the necessity for immediate action to address issues impacting livelihoods of the people.
“This project is pivotal in our arsenal of strategies aimed at mitigating flood risks,” he affirmed, indicating plans for the DID Sarawak Office to replicate similar initiatives in adjacent areas beyond MJC Batu Kawah. — DayakDaily
