SIBU: The government has allocated RM1.2 million for the cleaning and channel stripping project of three major rivers in the Dudong area.

The three rivers are Sungai Durin, Sungai Naman and Sungai Assan, which have not been maintained for almost five decades.
According to the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Dudong branch chairman, Datuk Teo Boon Siew, the cleaning work was carried out through allocations from the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID)) and was fully completed recently.
He said Sungai Assan received the highest allocation of RM600,000, while Sungai Durin and Sungai Naman each cost RM300,000, depending on the length and condition of the river.
“These three rivers were previously very much abandoned, filled with garbage, fallen trees, branches and weeds, which affected the flow of water and reduced the quality of life of the local residents,” he said when inspecting Sungai Assan which had been cleaned near here, recently.
More than 10 longhouses are located along the banks of the three rivers, and according to Teo, even though residents now have road access, the rivers are still being used as transportation option for certain communities in the interior.
“This cleaning is not only to beautify the river, but is also important to maintain water quality, environmental sustainability and ensure the well-being of villagers who still depend on this water source,” he added.
He also explained that Sungai Durin flows all the way to Ulu Durin Kiba, Sungai Naman to Ulu Naman and Jalan KJD, while Sungai Assan to Batu Wong.
This project, Teo pointed out, is the result of his efforts in championing the needs of the interior residents to the government and the DID, as well as through the support of the Dudong assemblyman, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
“On behalf of the residents, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to DID and Tiong for their assistance which has brought great benefits to the community here,” he said.
Teo also announced that he will be visiting Sungai Durin and Sungai Naman in the near future to inspect the results of the cleaning work on both rivers.