BINTULU: The Sarawak Government will establish a state-level committee to formulate and implement long-term flood mitigation solutions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the committee will study comprehensive engineering-based approaches to address recurring floods across Sarawak, beyond short-term measures currently in place.
“We must have long-term planning. I will establish a committee at the state level to plan and implement the best solutions.
“Some suggest dredging rivers, but siltation will always occur. We need to discuss alternatives. I do not want to make any announcements yet – this must be a long-term plan, and engineering capability must be taken into account,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after his visit to temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Sebauh, Bintulu here today.
During his working visit, Abang Johari inspected the evacuation centres and met flood victims in Sebauh, one of the locations hit by flood during this monsoon season.
He attributed the state’s effective flood response to early preparations made in September last year, crediting the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), public service personnel, and federal and state agencies for their coordinated efforts.
Abang Johari noted that although weather predictions remain uncertain – with reports from the Meteorological Department sometimes accurate in timing but not location – frontline teams managed the situation swiftly.
He said victims expressed satisfaction with the assistance provided, including medical support for those with asthma and stroke-related conditions, as well as adequate food supply, with meals provided five times daily at the evacuation centres.
He also said that as of today, 56 evacuation centres have been closed, with 10 still active.
“The number of victims has decreased. The water rises quickly but recedes slowly, so it takes time. When the situation returns to normal, of course, the remaining 10 will also close once victims return home.
“The current number of victims this time is 1,638. At the beginning, it was 7,465, and as of today we only have 1,638. We pray that in February, the rainfall won’t be too heavy,” he added.
Meanwhile, on infrastructure damage, particularly roads, Abang Johari said restoration work will only begin after the monsoon season ends, as another two waves of heavy rain are expected in February.
On suggestions to deepen or widen Sungai Sebiew, he said such proposals will be addressed under existing committees at both the state and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) levels.
“The study is already done. This is the planning stage for implementation,” he said.
On concerns over frequent flooding in housing estates, he said the drainage system remains a key factor and requires coordinated upgrading.
He said some newer housing developments have concrete-covered drains, which contribute to blockages.
“BDA has been instructed to identify which drains are blocked. We have to clear the lower sections. And when we want to excavate, some people complain and do not give permission. So we must be careful in developing Bintulu properly,” he said.
