By Karen Bong
SIBU, Oct 24: Sarawak has been allocated RM7.4 billion for 46 water-related projects under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), reflecting the federal government’s commitment to strengthening water resource security and improving the well-being of the people.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said the allocation comprised 33 ongoing projects and 13 new projects.
“Of the total allocation, RM5.8 billion is allocated for projects implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), including flood mitigation, river conservation and coastal erosion protection.
“The implementation of these projects is expected to strengthen water resource security, reduce disaster risks and improve the well-being of the people,” he said in his speech during the National-Level World Rivers Day Celebration 2026 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
The celebration was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and attended by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, PETRA secretary general Dato Sri Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, DID Malaysia director general Datuk Ir Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib and DID Sarawak director Datu Ir Ahamd Denny Ahmad Fauzi.
Fadillah said the allocations, development projects and studies undertaken by PETRA reflected the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that rivers and water resources were managed more effectively.
However, he stressed that the success of these efforts required close cooperation between the Sarawak government, implementing agencies, local authorities and the community.
“When sound planning is accompanied by public participation, its benefits can be enjoyed over the long term,” he said.
Fadillah also called on the public to maintain the spirit of river conservation beyond the annual celebration by making river protection part of their daily practices at home, schools, workplaces and within their respective communities.
He said PETRA, through DID, had also implemented the National River Trail Programme (Denai Sungai Kebangsaan) throughout the country, including Sarawak, in 2026.
The facilities were intended to serve as spaces for recreation, environmental education and ecotourism, while encouraging communities to take an active role in caring for river areas.
The National-Level World Rivers Day Celebration 2026, themed “Rivers and Streams in Our Communities”, featured various activities aimed at promoting river conservation, environmental awareness and community participation.
Among the activities held were colouring competitions, pocket talks, photography and videography competitions, a fishing competition at Batang Rajang, Zumba and a river walk.
The celebration also featured the presentation of the 2026 Special Water Resources Award (AKSA), recognising communities that had demonstrated outstanding commitment and achievements in river preservation, conservation and management. — DayakDaily
