SIMUNJAN: The Sarawak government will construct a new RM100 million embankment here to curb riverbank erosion and transform the area into a scenic waterfront.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project, financed by the state government, is in the design stage and will adopt modern technology to ensure the structure can withstand strong river currents.
“In Simunjan, just in front here, we want to build something new. An embankment, which will serve two functions, not just to prevent erosion, but also as a waterfront. And we will develop it like a proper waterfront, not just in Kuching, but Simunjan too will have one. We have allocated over RM100 million, using our own funds,” he said when launching the Simunjan Festival 2025 at the Simunjan Regatta Festival site here today (Oct 5).
Abang Johari said the new design would avoid the shortcomings of a previous embankment project built by the federal government, which collapsed due to inadequate piling depth and insufficient funds.
When met by reporters later, the Premier explained that the embankment project would utilise Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to simulate water pressure and ensure the design is resilient.
“We conducted a study and found that the weakness was that the piling did not go deep enough. That is why we want to build a new embankment using Sarawak’s own funds.
“With BIM, the design can simulate how much water pressure there will be, and with that data, we can build the real thing properly using IT,” he said.
Apart from that, the Premier announced an allocation of RM26 million for a new building for a primary school in Kampung Sageng after the existing one was found to be in poor condition, as well as RM40 million for erosion control works in the same area.
“This is the blessing of our unity. When we are united, our leaders can think of how to strengthen our economy. When our economy is strong, we give back to the people. This is our work – we want to develop many things in Simunjan,” he said.
The design phase of the embankment project is expected to be completed soon, with construction to follow thereafter.
