Sarawak River Bypass Project Proposed To Begin From Batu Kawa
KUCHING: The Sarawak River Bypass flood mitigation project has been proposed to commence from Batu Kawa rather than from the South China Sea.
Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, stated that the mitigation project — valued at over RM2 billion — was originally planned to start from the South China Sea side.
He noted that he will hold discussions with Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, to request that construction begins in Batu Kawa and moves downstream, rather than the current plan of moving upstream from the coast.
"If this project does not start correctly, not only will Batu Kawa be affected by flooding, but Datuk Amar Fadillah’s constituency will also suffer, as his area is located further downstream," he said.
"The downstream areas are already prone to flooding. If it floods here, Batu Kitang will be affected because the river water flows from the upper reaches through to those areas," he added.
The Deputy Premier made these remarks to the press after visiting the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at R-Piang Hall, Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, in Batu Kawa on Wednesday.
The Sarawak River project involves the construction of a new eight-kilometre bypass channel designed to alleviate "congestion" in the Sarawak River and prevent it from overflowing. To date, two kilometres of the project connecting the South China Sea to the river have been completed, with the remaining six kilometres scheduled to begin construction next year.
Furthermore, Datuk Amar Dr Sim shared that work is being intensified on a dry detention pond project in Batu Kawa. This initiative aims to reduce local flooding through the construction of four ponds covering an area of 20 acres.
He expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, for allocating over £35 million (RM200 million) for these catchment ponds as part of a wider commitment to flood mitigation.
Meanwhile, the R-Piang Hall PPS in Kampung Sinar Budi Baru is currently sheltering 181 residents from 44 families. Datuk Amar Dr Sim also visited the Stapok Community Hall PPS, which is currently housing 199 evacuees from 54 families. - UKASnews
Reporter: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Ahmad Daniel Faiz & Muhd Hisyam Arif
