Remedial works planned for Sungai Sarawak Barrage, says Lee

KUCHING (March 10): The Sungai Sarawak Barrage is set to undergo remedial works after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof acknowledged the urgent need for improvements, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The Sarawak Transport Minister said in a statement on Tuesday that the matter was raised and discussed during a courtesy call by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) and the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) on Fadillah at Menara PETRA in Putrajaya on Monday.

Lee, who led the delegation, had presented a briefing on several proposed flood mitigation and river management initiatives in Sarawak, including matters related to the maintenance and upgrading of critical river infrastrructure.

He said Fadillah — who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation — acknowledged the urgent need for remedial works at the barrage following concerns over the structure’s condition and the continued expansion of riverbed scouring both upstream and downstream.

“These works are essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of the barrage in supporting flood mitigation efforts in Kuching and its surrounding areas.

“He (Fadillah) also emphasised the importance of enhancing the river monitoring system and encouraged closer collaboration between the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia and DID Sarawak on the proposed upgrading of telemetry stations at the Sungai Sarawak Barrage. The upgrading initiative is expected to improve real-time monitoring capabilities and strengthen flood management operations along the Sungai Sarawak Basin,” said Lee.

In addition, Lee said Fadillah had also agreed in principle that the proposed procurement of trash skimmers and trash collection boats for Sungai Sarawak and Sungai Miri would be funded through his office to support river cleaning operations.

Lee also raised the persistent siltation problem affecting fishermen at Kampung Batu Satu in Miri following the completion of a wave breaker constructed as part of a coastal erosion control project in the area.

He requested additional allocation to address the issue, which Fadillah agreed to.

Lee said the situation has affected the livelihood of local fishermen and requires urgent intervention to ensure the sustainability of fishing activities in the area.

“We appreciate the support shown by the Deputy Prime Minister in addressing this matter. The proposed solution will help restore access for fishermen and improve the overall condition of the coastal environment in Kampung Batu Satu,” he said.

On behalf of MOTS and SRB, he said they expressed their appreciation for the support and commitment of the federal government, particularly Fadillah, towards strengthening flood mitigation efforts and improving river management infrastructure in Sarawak.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep; Sarawak Rivers Board chairman Dr Safiee Ahmad; Ministry of Transport Sarawak permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng; and Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak director Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, among others.