GEDONG – The proposed Kampung Gumpey Riverbank Stabilisation Project has been formally included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), covering the period from 2026 to 2030. However, officials emphasised that the initiative remains at an early stage of approval and will require time before full implementation.
Batang Sadong Member of Parliament Rodiyah Sapiee confirmed the inclusion during a site visit on Friday, noting that while the project is a priority, the planning and approval process must follow due procedures. She stressed that the community’s concerns over erosion risks are being taken seriously.
During a technical briefing, Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) Samarahan Engineer Ir. Rudi Abang Zamhari outlined the long-term proposal.
Plans include constructing a 500-metre erosion control structure to stabilise the riverbank. He cautioned that the design must be carefully engineered to prevent unintended changes in river flow, which could shift erosion towards nearby homes and a local school.
As an interim measure, JPS has proposed mitigation works beginning in 2026. These will involve detailed surveys to assess bank measurements and erosion levels, forming the basis of a provisional project proposal paper.
The site visit was attended by Gedong District Officer Tamida Da’adi, a representative from the Gedong ADUN Service Centre Awang Abdul Rahman Awang Hamid, and Aman Akup, Head of the Gumpey Village Community.
Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between government agencies and local stakeholders in addressing the issue.
Riverbank erosion has long been a challenge for rural communities in Sarawak, threatening homes, schools, and agricultural land.
The inclusion of Kampung Gumpey’s project under RMK-13 reflects the government’s broader commitment to strengthening infrastructure resilience and safeguarding communities against environmental risks.
Rodiyah expressed hope that the project would not only protect residents but also enhance long-term development in Gedong.
She added that continued engagement between federal, state, and local authorities will be crucial to ensuring the project’s success.
The stabilisation plan is expected to provide lasting benefits once completed, offering protection against erosion while supporting the safety and sustainability of Kampung Gumpey’s riverbank environment.
