Funding sought for flood mitigation studies in Batu Kitang, Meluan, Balingian

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian announced the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak’s intention to pursue funding for detailed studies addressing flooding issues in the Batu Kitang, Meluan and Balingian areas as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

He stressed the significance of these studies in providing essential data for identifying long-term solutions to the persistent flooding problems in the three constituencies, particularly at Greenwood Park, Taman Emas, Taman Paradise, Kampung Quop, Julau, and Balingian. 

The ultimate goal is to secure development funds for drainage improvement projects, he said in his winding-up speech on Tuesday (Nov 28) at the State Legislative Assembly sitting. 

“As the Ahli Yang Berhormat for Dudong, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, is well aware, a substantial portion of Sibu town, including the Dudong area, is situated in a low-lying area prone to flooding. 

“To address this, the government, through DID Sarawak, had conducted a drainage master plan study known as the Sibu Town Drainage Masterplan, 1998.

“Based on this study, a comprehensive flood mitigation project, the Rancangan Tebatan Banjir (RTB) Sibu, was proposed and implemented in phases. Phases one and two, covering Dudong, were completed in 2012 and 2015, with phase three expected to conclude this year and phase four, which includes Nangka, in the pre-implementation stage.” 

He added that the fifth and final phase is currently proposed to the federal government in Rolling Plan 4 of RMK-12, with hopes of securing funding through Dudong’s representative in the federal Cabinet.

Dr Sim, who is Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, also responded to statements made by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen regarding traffic management. 

He reminded Chong to verify facts before making assumptions, clarifying that roads such as Kuching-Samarahan Road, Penrissen Road, Mile 7, Mile 8, Mile 10, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Tun Jugah, and Batu Kawah Road fall under the jurisdiction of JKR Sarawak, not his ministry.

“I urge Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, don’t just tembak saja (make statements without verifying facts), as false information is not justifiable.”

Dr Sim added: “Don’t just cakap saja (talk only). As the MP for Stampin and being part of the Unity Government, he should take responsibility and allocate federal funding to upgrade the federal roads in his area to alleviate traffic congestion.”