Fadillah gives update on Sibu flood mitigation plan

SIBU: Phase 5 of the Sibu Flood Mitigation Plan, costing approximately RM500 million, is expected to be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the project is expected to reduce flood risks and protect around 100,000 residents.

“Phase 5 has been proposed but was not approved under the Fifth Rolling Plan. We hope to include it in the 13^th Malaysia Plan.

“Upon completion, it will protect areas including Sibu town, villages, and various assets whether commercial, industrial, or public use, including schools, and so on,” he told a press conference after a working visit to the site of Phase 3 of the Sibu Flood Mitigation Project here today (Oct 6).

In addition to the ongoing physical projects, Fadillah added that a comprehensive study of the Rejang and Igan rivers is being conducted with completion expected by 2025-2026.

He said the study includes hydrological surveys and aims to keep the rivers clean for water supply while managing flood risks

Earlier, Fadillah visited the flood-affected areas of Kampung Usahajaya, Sentosa, where the Sibu Department of Drainage and Irrigation has received RM25 million under the state government’s Project Rakyat to upgrade drainage systems by April 2025.

Additionally, the federal government has allocated RM1.5 million for urgent repairs on flood-damaged structures.

To date, the federal government has spent RM268 million on the Sibu Flood Mitigation Project across three phases.

Phases 1 and 2, completed in 2012 and 2015 at a cost of RM183 million, have protected over 10,000 residents across 400 hectares, including Jalan Upper Lanang and the General Operations Force (PGA) Camp.

Phase 3, costing RM85 million, was completed in December 2023 and now safeguards more than 15,000 residents and 270 hectares across Kampung Datu, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Nangka, and surrounding commercial areas.

The Sarawak government has approved RM120 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan for Phase 4, expected to protect 618 hectares, including Bukit Assek, once completed.

“It has already been approved, the design is done, and hopefully, by next year, the implementation will begin,” he added.