KUCHING – The Sarawak River Bypass flood mitigation project, valued at more than RM2 billion, has been proposed to begin from Batu Kawa instead of the South China Sea, in a move aimed at addressing persistent flooding in downstream areas.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian explained that the original plan was to commence construction from the coastal side.
However, he intends to discuss with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof the possibility of reversing the sequence, starting at Batu Kawa and progressing downstream.
Dr Sim highlighted that failure to adjust the starting point could worsen flooding in Batu Kawa and affect Fadillah’s constituency further downstream.
“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 said.
The Deputy Premier made these remarks after visiting the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at R-Piang Hall, Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, Batu Kawa.
The centre is currently housing 181 residents from 44 families displaced by recent floods. He also visited Stapok Community Hall PPS, which is sheltering 199 evacuees from 54 families.
The Sarawak River Bypass project involves constructing an eight-kilometre channel to ease water flow and reduce overflow risks.
Two kilometres of the bypass, linking the South China Sea to the river, have already been completed. The remaining six kilometres are scheduled for construction next year.
In addition to the bypass, Dr Sim revealed that work is being accelerated on a dry detention pond project in Batu Kawa. The initiative will see four ponds built across 20 acres to help manage floodwaters.
He expressed appreciation to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, who allocated RM200 million (over £35 million) for the catchment ponds. The funding forms part of the state government’s broader flood mitigation strategy.
Officials believe that the combination of the bypass channel and detention ponds will significantly reduce flood risks in Kuching and surrounding areas.
The projects are expected to provide long-term protection for communities frequently affected by rising waters.
