By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 18: Efforts to expedite approval for the Sungai Sibiew project under the Bintulu Flood Mitigation Plan will be intensified, as flooding continues to plague residents in the district.
In a statement, Bintulu MP Dato Seri Tiong King Sing said he would personally meet Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to seek prompt approval for the project, which he described as the most critical component in addressing Bintulu’s recurring floods.
He pointed out that while five flood mitigation projects have been approved under Phase 2 of the Bintulu Flood Mitigation Plan, it is still not enough to resolve the recurring flooding problem in Bintulu.
“The crux of the matter is that the Sungai Sibiew project—which has the greatest impact on flooding—has yet to receive approval. Without addressing this core issue, the overall effectiveness of flood mitigation efforts will remain limited,” he said.
Tiong stressed that residents were increasingly anxious following repeated flood incidents, including the latest episode earlier this week caused by continuous heavy rain that affected multiple areas in the district.
“I strongly hope that the relevant projects can commence as soon as possible and be properly executed to genuinely resolve the issue, so that the people of Bintulu can finally be spared the repeated hardship caused by floods.
“This is an issue that must be resolved. I will bring the relevant documents to meet the Premier.
“We cannot continue to let the people live in fear and be alarmed at the slightest sign of rain, constantly anxious and suffering. The authorities should also immediately deepen any river sections that can be deepened to mitigate the current flood risk,” he said.
He explained that dredging works for Sungai Sibiew have yet to be approved due to the lack of suitable relocation sites for squatters residing along the riverbanks. According to him, the resettlement of illegal wooden house occupants on both sides of the river has been pending for five years.
Tiong further highlighted that some land originally reserved for river engineering works had since been converted into residential areas or private land, an issue he said authorities must confront and resolve appropriately.
“This is a core issue that cannot be avoided in any flood mitigation plan.”
“The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) also agreed during the meeting that it is necessary to prepare a new proposal.”
Tiong had recently attended the final State Development Committee (DDC) meeting of the year and where he was briefed by DID on Phase Two of the Bintulu Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB). At a meeting in March this year, the Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA) approved flood mitigation upgrade projects at SJK(C) Sibiew, Taman Jason, Gem Park, Taman Desa Damai, and the Traffic Police Station.
Tiong said the flooding at SJK(C) Sibiew is to be addressed by constructing a flood detention pond and upgrading the drainage system. At Taman Jason, the capacity of the main drain is insufficient, which requires an expansion with infrastructure upgrades.
He added that Gem Park also needs bund and a pumping system. As for the Traffic Police Station, due to its lower elevation compared to surrounding buildings, cut off drains with a wall as a bund, and pumping system are required to prevent water accumulation. – DayakDaily
