PETRA rolling out 15 flood mitigation projects in Sarawak worth RM3.39 bln

Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 13: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) is implementing 15 flood mitigation projects in Sarawak worth RM3.39 billion to strengthen flood management efforts across the State.

In a statement today, the ministry said the projects are being carried out through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (DID) under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13, RP1).

“Of the total projects, five are currently in the pre-implementation stage, three are under construction, while seven have been fully completed,” the ministry said.

It also said the measures form part of broader efforts to strengthen flood mitigation in Sarawak in a comprehensive and phased manner.

The statement followed flooding reported on March 10 in several areas in Kuching and Lundu after significant heavy rainfall. Among the locations identified as flood hotspots were Kampung Sebat Melayu, Kampung Segong and Kampung Sileng Melayu.

The ministry further said under 12MP, a total of 453 river conservation works have been completed in Sarawak at a cost of RM50.9 million.

“The works involved increasing river flow capacity and stabilising riverbanks to reduce flood risks in affected areas,” it added.

In addition, 548 emergency projects costing RM45.3 million were implemented to address damage to river infrastructure and mitigate flood risks in affected locations.

To further strengthen flood mitigation efforts, the federal government has also allocated RM50 million under RMK-13 for small-scale river conservation works in Sarawak.

The scope of works includes river channelisation, repairs to collapsed riverbanks and upgrading related assets to improve the efficiency of drainage and river systems.

PETRA said it will continue working with the Sarawak government and relevant agencies to enhance flood management capacity through flood mitigation projects, river conservation efforts and continued inter-agency cooperation to safeguard public safety and wellbeing. — DayakDaily