PUTRAJAYA: The federal government is strengthening flood mitigation efforts in Sarawak following recent floods triggered by heavy rainfall that affected several areas in Kuching and Lundu.
The floods, reported on March 10, impacted several locations identified as flood hotspots, including Kampung Sebat Melayu, Kampung Segong, and Kampung Sileng Melayu.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) said the government is implementing 15 flood mitigation projects in Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and 13th Malaysia Plans (13MP).
“Overall, the projects involve a total allocation of RM3.39 billion and are being implemented in phases to strengthen long-term flood management in Sarawak,” the ministry said in a press statement on Friday.
PETRA said the initiatives include five projects at the pre-implementation stage, three currently under construction and seven that have already been fully completed.
“These projects form part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to improve flood resilience through structural improvements and better river management across several river basins,” it added.
The ministry said river conservation efforts also remain a key component in addressing flood risks, particularly in areas frequently affected by seasonal rainfall.
Under the 12MP, a total of 453 river conservation works were successfully completed in Sarawak, involving a total allocation of RM50.9 million.
“These works include increasing river flow capacity, stabilising riverbanks, and strengthening drainage systems to reduce flood risks in vulnerable communities,” it said.
The ministry also highlighted that immediate interventions were carried out to address urgent damage to river infrastructure caused by extreme weather conditions.
“In total, 548 emergency projects were implemented with an allocation of RM45.3 million to repair river assets and mitigate flood risks quickly,” it said.
PETRA added that the federal government has allocated an additional RM50 million under the 13MP to further strengthen river conservation efforts.
“The allocation will support smaller-scale works such as river dredging, repairing collapsed riverbanks, and upgrading related assets to ensure drainage systems function efficiently,” it said.
The ministry emphasised that continuous collaboration between federal and state agencies remains essential in improving disaster preparedness and reducing the impact of floods on communities.
“PETRA will continue working closely with the Sarawak Government and relevant agencies to strengthen flood mitigation initiatives and safeguard the wellbeing of the people,” it added.
The efforts are also aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises sustainability, resilience and the long-term wellbeing of communities across the country.
