RM2.6b needed for flood mitigation projects in Kuching City, Samariang; plans awaiting Cabinet approval

Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (file pic). Photo: Fadillah Yusof/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 13: An estimated RM2.6 billion is needed to complete two major flood mitigation (RTB) initiatives in Kuching—Phase 2 of the Kuching City RTB and the Sungai Samariang RTB.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, the plans are pending approval from the Cabinet.

He said that the proposal initially covered just Phase 2 of the Kuching City RTB, but the federal government has agreed in principle to bundle in the Samariang project at the Sarawak government’s request.

“If approved, the total cost is expected to reach RM2.6 billion to ensure the Samariang area is unaffected by urban water flows, given the interconnected drainage system,” he said at a press conference during the PETRA Skuad 2026 Sarawak Zone programme here today, as reported by Bernama.

Meanwhile, he noted that works on the Sarawak River Integrated Basin Development Project (PLSB), valued at RM191 million, are underway.

The project consists of flood mitigation at Sungai Gersik and Sungai Sinjan, and deepening the river in Matang, which is expected to be completed by October 2027.

“The PLSB scheme forms part of our continuous push to address flooding in the capital, ultimately shielding over 22,000 residents once it’s fully up and running,” he added.

Additionally, he said that Phase 3 of the Sibu RTB, which cost RM97.2 million, has been completed since December 2023 and was officially handed over to the State government; adding that they will seek funding for the RM120 million for Phase 4 and tap federal funds for the RM474 million Phase 5.

He said the RM10 million Stakan flood mitigation project, completed in August 2024, was handed over as part of efforts to manage flash floods along the Kuching–Samarahan border. — DayakDaily