Sibu to get RM268mil allocation for flood mitigation project

SIBU: The Federal Government has allocated RM268mil to the completion of the first three phases of the Sibu Flood Mitigation Project.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Sarawak government, under the 12th Malaysia Plan, has approved a further RM120mil for Phase Four of the project.

This state-funded phase will cover 618 hectares in the Bukit Assek area.

During a press conference after a project briefing on Sunday (Oct 6), Fadillah added that Phase Five, which will cost RM500mil, is slated to proceed thereafter under the 13th Malaysia Plan's rolling plan.

He said that there is a necessity for flood mitigation efforts, citing Sibu's vulnerability to flooding due to its low-lying position, proximity to rivers like Batang Rajang and Batang Igan, and the challenge of the town being situated on peat soil.

"The Department of Irrigation and Drainage completed Phases 1 and 2 in 2015, at a cost of RM83mil, and Phase 3 in December 2023 for RM85mil," he said.

Phases 1 and 2 encompass an area housing 10,000 people, including residential, commercial, and educational establishments in Jalan Upper Lanang and the General Operation Force area.

Fadillah added that the complete project is up to Phase 5, which involves the construction of water pump stations and ponds and is expected to significantly reduce the risk of flooding.

"Upon completion, we anticipate a substantial reduction in flooding risk, safeguarding over 100,000 residents in more than 2100 hectares, including key areas in Sibu such as commercial and industrial zones, infrastructure facilities, schools, and more," he said.

Separately, Fadillah said that the ongoing study on the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Plan for the Batang Rajang Basin, which started on September 1, 2023, is set for completion by February 28, 2026.

The RM3.8mil study is critical for the strategic planning of river basins, with objectives to ensure adequate and clean water supply, diminish the risk of flooding, and promote sustainable environmental conservation.