KUCHING: The Sarawak River Bypass flood mitigation project has been proposed to commence from Batu Kawa rather than from the South China Sea.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the mitigation project – valued at over RM2 billion – was originally planned to start from the South China Sea side.
He also informed that he will hold discussions with Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, to request that construction begins in Batu Kawa and moves downstream, rather than the current plan of moving upstream from the coast.
“If this project does not start correctly, not only will Batu Kawa be affected by flooding, but Fadillah’s constituency will also suffer, as his area is located further downstream.
“The downstream areas are already prone to flooding. If it floods here, Batu Kitang will be affected because the river water flows from the upper reaches through to those areas,” he said.
He made these remarks when speaking to the press after recently visiting the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at R-Piang Hall, Kampung Sinar Budi Baru in Batu Kawa as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
The Sarawak River Bypass project involves the construction of a new eight-kilometre bypass channel designed to alleviate “congestion” in the Sarawak River and prevent it from overflowing.
To date, two kilometres of the project connecting the South China Sea to the river have been completed, with the remaining six kilometres scheduled to begin construction next year.
At the same time, Dr Sim shared that work is being intensified on a dry detention pond project in Batu Kawa.
“This initiative aims to reduce local flooding through the construction of four ponds covering an area of 20 acres,” he said.
Dr Sim also expressed his gratitude to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for allocating over RM200 million for these catchment ponds as part of a wider commitment to flood mitigation.
