KUCHING: Immediate solutions must be in place to address flood problems and water supply issues in Sarawak to safeguard the people’s welfare, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra) and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar have been told to adopt a comprehensive approach in addressing both issues.
The Prime Minister also noted that funding has been allocated to almost all related projects.
The matter was conveyed during his meeting with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and the state leadership here yesterday.
“In the meeting, we reviewed various matters concerning the interests of the people of Sarawak, including its development agenda, strengthening the state’s economy and efforts to enhance cooperation between the federal and state governments.
“I was also briefed on the need to resolve flood and water supply issues in the state,” he said in a Facebook post.
Anwar said the meeting was part of a series of dialogues held with state governments, based on the principle that sustainable development must begin by listening to the needs and aspirations of the people in each state.
“This is clear evidence that open dialogue is an important platform to refine and address the needs of communities in the states, rather than merely fulfilling bureaucratic requirements.”
The Prime Minister also shared updates on the conflict in the Middle East with the meeting, including discussions with leaders of several Gulf countries, and with Iran and Turkiye.
He said the willingness of these countries to hear Malaysia’s views was an honour, given the country’s relatively small standing in the international arena.
“I conveyed several views on behalf of Malaysia, emphasising the importance of easing tensions for the sake of global peace.”
Meanwhile, Petra said a total of 15 flood mitigation projects are currently being implemented in Sarawak, involving a total cost of RM3.39bil, reported Bernama.
It said the projects, carried out by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), are being implemented under the 12th and 13th Malaysia Plans.
“Of the total (15 projects), five are at the pre-implementation stage, three are under implementation, while seven have been fully completed.”
