KUCHING: Sarawak’s river system is a living laboratory for science, innovation and education as the state integrates digital sensors and AI-based analysis into the Sarawak Integrated Water Resources System.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this initiative enables data-driven decision-making for river management.
“We are working with universities and research institutions to collect data on water quality, sediment transport, and biodiversity within our 40 major river basins,” he said during the Sarawak Rivers Day Conference 2025 in conjunction with World Rivers Day held at a hotel here today.
Abang Johari’s speech text was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He added that Sarawak’s efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
“We are also collaborating with ASEAN partners to share expertise in river restoration, renewable energy, and flood resilience.
“Rivers know no boundaries. Therefore, our response to river conservation and water security must also be borderless, collaborative, and forward-looking,” he said.
He noted that while the state taps into the potential of its rivers, it must also manage them responsibly.
“The Ministry of Transport Sarawak, through the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), is deploying advanced digital surveillance and vessel-tracking systems to strengthen river safety and regulatory enforcement.
“Navigation aids are being upgraded, river-port operations standardised and permits digitised to create a modern, efficient and safe water-transport network,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the state is also exploring electric and hybrid river vessels, particularly for passenger crossings and short-distance commutes in Kuching and other towns to reduce emissions and operational costs.
This integration of technology and tradition, he said, ensures river transport remains sustainable, accessible and relevant in the 21st century.
On climate resilience, he said river systems are facing increasing pressures from unpredictable rainfall, sedimentation and pollution.
“To address this, Sarawak has adopted the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) approach, which coordinates land use, water management, and ecosystem protection across all basins to balance development with ecological sustainability,” he said.
In Kuching, he said the Sarawak River Integrated Flood Mitigation Plan has significantly reduced major flood incidents, while similar systems are underway in Sibu and Bintulu using smart hydrological sensors for real-time monitoring.
“These interventions safeguard our people and infrastructure while ensuring the long-term health of our rivers,” he said.
