By DayakDaily Team
BINTULU, Aug 28: As Bintulu continues to grapple with recurring floods, the Sarawak government has allocated an additional RM53 million for mitigation works and plans a comprehensive study to strengthen its long-term flood management.
According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the Bintulu Divisional Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), together with the project consultants, is preparing to ensure the projects are implemented on schedule.
The physical works at Gem Park, Desa Damai and SJK Sebiew are expected to begin as early as mid-October, following the additional allocation.
“DID informed us that the tender process may be called in early September and, by mid- to late October, physical works are expected to begin,” he said when met by the media after attending the Sarawak Deputy Premier’s Meeting with the Bintulu Flood Management Committee at the Bintulu DID Office here yesterday (Aug 27).
Dr Sim, also Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said the additional allocation was approved after Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming appealed to Premier Sarawak over recurring floods in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak government is also planning a comprehensive study of Bintulu’s overall flood mitigation system as a longer-term measure.
Dr Sim said the proposed study could involve an international consultancy firm, Rainbow, working alongside local experts to ensure the town’s flood mitigation planning is more comprehensive and effective.
He said the study would assess the existing system, including its planning and capacity, and identify areas for improvement.
“The Bukit Assek urban renewal project in Sibu was carried out by Rainbow. The Premier has seen the plan and was satisfied with it.
“Therefore, he wants Bintulu also to obtain the services of the same international consultancy firm to conduct the flood mitigation study,” he said.
Dr Sim said the international firm would work with local professionals, including surveyors and other technical personnel, and could use experience from similar flood mitigation projects elsewhere as a reference for Bintulu.
However, Dr Sim said the proposed appointment remains under discussion, including the cost and scope of services, which are expected to be finalised at an upcoming Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) meeting.
Additionally, Pang described the RM53 million allocation as a positive development, saying it reflected the Sarawak government’s commitment to addressing flood issues and safeguarding residents in Bintulu.
Also present was Sarawak Premier’s Political Secretary Angeline Stephen Raja. — DayakDaily
