By Karen Bong
KUCHING: The RM2.48 billion Kuching City Flood Mitigation Plan Phase 2 is on track for physical implementation from 2027 to 2033, with its 6km Sungai Sarawak bypass expected to protect 470,233 residents and 47,264 hectares in Greater Kuching upon completion.
Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said a Value Assessment (VA) and Value Engineering (VE) Workshop had been scheduled for early November 2026 to advance the landmark flood protection project.
“The department will work closely with the federal government to ensure the project begins on schedule.
“The RM2.48 billion Rancangan Tebatan Banjir (RTB) Bandaraya Kuching Fasa 2 (Pakej Penuh) is a landmark investment in Kuching’s flood protection,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) sitting today.
Dr Sim also expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, for securing the substantial federal funding.
He emphasised that the project is among the major flood mitigation initiatives supported by a RM2.8 billion ceiling approved under the First Rolling Plan 2026 to reduce flood risks and strengthen protection for communities across Sarawak.
The approval for the Kuching flood mitigation project was announced in the august House in May.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim informed that three other packages under the Sungai Sarawak Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project, with a combined cost of RM191 million, are at various stages of physical implementation.
“These packages are targeted for completion between the second and third quarters of 2027,” he said.
Dr Sim said the Sungai Miri and Limbang District flood mitigation projects were also under implementation, with both targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2028.
In a related development, he updated the House on the implementation of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB) in Sarawak.
“The national flood forecasting and warning initiative involves a combined investment of RM207.99 million and will significantly expand Sarawak’s hydrological monitoring capacity,” he explained.
In addition to the 400 existing stations across Sarawak, he added that the programme will establish 254 new telemetry stations and upgrade 279 existing ones.
“Once both phases are fully deployed, Sarawak will have a total of 654 operational telemetry stations,” he added. — DayakDaily
