THE Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) will ensure a smooth transition from the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) to the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) by rolling over high-impact flood mitigation projects for full physical implementation under the new development cycle, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim said the approach is crucial to ensure that preparatory works carried out under RMK-12 are not delayed, but instead translated into on-the-ground delivery under RMK-13.
“As we transition from RMK-12 to RMK-13, DID will prioritise the roll-over of high-impact projects to ensure that the preliminary works undertaken during RMK-12 are successfully translated into physical implementation under RMK-13,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He said under RMK-13, DID has been allocated an approved ceiling of RM265.29 million for the implementation of 45 flood mitigation and urban drainage projects across Sarawak.
Dr Sim said of the total, 15 projects are currently under construction, while 30 projects are still in various stages of design and are being prepared for procurement, subject to approvals from the relevant authorities.
He added that the focus on continuity between development plans reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring flood mitigation efforts are implemented without disruption.
For federal-funded initiatives, Dr Sim said under the First Rolling Plan, RM106.94 million has been approved to implement projects aimed at reducing flood risks and strengthening protection for communities in Sarawak.
He also highlighted that the Federal Government has approved the implementation of the Kuching Flood Mitigation Project (RTB Bandaraya Kuching Phase 2 – full package), with an allocation of RM2.48 billion.
“The project is scheduled to be implemented from 2027 to 2033 and represents a major investment in strengthening flood mitigation infrastructure for Kuching,” he said, while expressing appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, for the approval.
Dr Sim said the ongoing flood mitigation programmes under Sungai Sarawak (Packages 1, 2 and 3) are progressing at various stages, with completion expected between September 2026 and October 2027.
He added that RTB Sungai Miri is expected to be completed by November 2026, while RTB Daerah Limbang is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2028.
RTB Kampung Beradek Semilang, meanwhile, remains at the pre-implementation stage.
On flood preparedness, Dr Sim said the Federal Government has also approved the implementation of the flood forecasting and warning system under the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB) across Sarawak.
He said PRAB Phase 2, covering Batang Rajang and Sungai Sarawak with an allocation of RM38 million, is currently under evaluation and is expected to be awarded in May 2026.
“Meanwhile, PRAB Phase 3 has been awarded on 26 March 2026 involving a project cost of RM169.99 million,” he added.
