Dr Sim: Phased mitigation projects to resolve Batu Kawah’s flood woes

KUCHING (March 11): Batu Kawa is set to see significant improvements in flood management with ongoing mitigation projects and an RM2.4 billion Sungai Sarawak bypass aimed at reducing riverbank flooding, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Deputy Premier said one of four flood mitigation projects for the area has been completed, while the other three are in progress.

“Phase 1, costing about RM20 million has already been completed. The final phase, worth RM36 million, has commenced by the contractor. Once completed, it is expected to benefit 4,000 residents,” he told reporters after visiting flood victims at Stapok Community Hall here on Wednesday.

Apart from drainage systems, he said dry ponds act as retention areas during heavy rainfall.

“These four dry ponds in Batu Kawa cover a total of 16 acres. The final phase features a 3km bund along the riverbank because the area is very low lying. When river water rises, the three ponds help to pump the excess water out,” he explained.

Dr Sim also highlighted the different types of floods in the area.

“Localised floods, such as in Taman Desa Wira, occur when water from the river overflows and cannot drain out. Riverbank floods are like those seen along Sungai Sarawak and in Kampung Rantau Panjang earlier this year.

“Local floods are different as the water is first retained and then pumped out once Sungai Sarawak’s level goes down. In addition to a riverbank protection, a Sungai Sarawak bypass will eventually be needed,” he said, adding Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof has allocated RM2.4 billion for the project.

He urged the community to understand the phased approach to flood mitigation, stressing that misconceptions about soil erosion or other issues often arise.

“The first dry pond project is just around here and my staff can show what a dry pond looks like. Meanwhile, the second phase involves another dry pond plus pumping. Once it is done, we hope flooding like in the past will not recur,” he said.

Dr Sim noted areas that benefited from the first flood mitigation project no longer experience flooding.

“Residents in Kampung Rantau Panjang did not need to be evacuated because the Sungai Sarawak did not overflow. Local floods now come from multiple factors, including increased rainfall due to climate change.

“Previously built drains were sufficient, but now without retention ponds the river cannot handle the volume of water,” he said.

He also thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving flood mitigation projects in Batu Kawa, noting that flood management falls under the concurrent list, with both federal and state governments sharing responsibility.

“I want to thank the Premier for funding the Batu Kawa projects, including Pines Square and RPR, with more than RM100 million spent so far. The total investment for the whole area of Batu Kawa is more than RM200 million.

“I also want to thank Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof for contributing to the Sungai Sarawak bypass, which is expected to divert 60 per cent of river water through the canal,” he added.