PETRA Hands Over RM107.2 Million Flood Mitigation Projects, Strengthening Sarawak's Defenses
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), continues to bolster flood mitigation efforts in Sarawak by officially handing over two completed Flood Mitigation Scheme (RTB) projects to the Sarawak Government, valued at a total of RM107.2 million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said the projects, executed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), include the RM10 million RTB Stakan and the RM97.2 million RTB Sibu Phase 3.
To note, RTB Stakan was designed to tackle flash and seasonal flooding in the Sungai Stakan basin caused by rapid development pressures at the Kuching-Samarahan border.
Utilising integrated engineering approaches, the project has enhanced flow capacity and water control efficiency, providing protection to approximately 5,000 residents.
The implementation significantly reduces the risk of property damage and the overall impact of flood disasters on the local community.
Meanwhile, RTB Sibu Phase 3 was specifically developed to manage the low-lying geography of Sibu, situated at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan rivers. The area frequently faces overflow risks when heavy rain coincides with king tide phenomena.
The project factored in thick peat soil conditions to address land subsidence issues, ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the mitigation system.
With the completion of this phase, flood risks in the affected areas are expected to decrease significantly, securing the socio-economic activities of the residents.
Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof shared these details during a working visit to Kampung Bukit Berangan on Monday.
Also in attendance were Deputy Minister for Rural and Regional Development and Member of Parliament for Samarahan Datuk Rubiah Wang, Stakan Assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim, Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, PETRA Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, and other senior federal and state officials. — UKASnews
