Petra: Seven of 15 flood mitigation projects in Sarawak completed under 12MP, 13MP

KUCHING (March 13): Seven of the 15 flood mitigation projects implemented in Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with a total allocation of RM3.39 billion, have been fully completed.

The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) said the projects, carried out through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), were meant to strengthen flood mitigation measures in the state.

“To strengthen flood mitigation measures in Sarawak in a comprehensive and phased manner, Petra, through DID, is implementing 15 projects under 12MP and 13MP at a total cost of RM3.39 billion.

“Out of these, five are at the pre-implementation stage, three are under implementation, and seven have been fully completed,” the ministry said in a statement.

Under 12MP, Petra reported that 453 river conservation works were completed at a cost of RM50.9 million, focusing on increasing river flow capacity and stabilising riverbanks to reduce flood risks.

In addition, 548 emergency projects costing RM45.3 million were carried out to address river infrastructure damage and mitigate immediate flood risks.

The federal government has also allocated RM50 million under 13MP for small-scale river conservation projects, including river channel improvements, repairs to collapsed riverbanks, and upgrades to drainage and river assets.

“Aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, Petra will continue working with the Sarawak government to enhance flood management through mitigation projects, river conservation, and ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies to safeguard residents,” the ministry added.

Petra also noted that floods reported on March 10 in areas including Kuching and Lundu were triggered by heavy rainfall, affecting known flood hotspots such as Kampung Sebat Melayu, Kampung Segong, and Kampung Sileng Melayu.