KUCHING – The Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) is being positioned as a central player in the state’s pursuit of sustainable and technologically advanced development.
This strategic push aligns with the broader objectives of the Sarawak Maju Makmur 2030 (Sarawak Advance Prosper 2030) policy framework, which emphasises innovation and future-ready infrastructure.
Speaking at the Sarawak DID 2025 Appreciation Night Ceremony on Friday, State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian underscored the department’s critical function.
He described it as a key technical agency tasked with ensuring the state’s physical development proceeds in a manner that maintains environmental equilibrium.
The Deputy Premier highlighted the esteemed status of the department, noting that only a select few technical bodies, including the DID and the Public Works Department (JKR), continue to receive official recognition from the Malaysian government.
He pointed to the escalating challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation as factors demanding a significant evolution in the department’s methodology.
“A transformation must begin with our mindset,” Datuk Amar Dr. Sim stated. “During our own academic training, concepts like climate change were not part of the curriculum, nor was their profound significance fully understood.”
This new approach includes adopting the concept of “naturalisation” for drainage and sewerage systems, which seeks to work with natural processes rather than against them.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the departmental staff for their commitment and professional conduct, acknowledging their role as a foundational pillar for building a resilient and sustainable state.
The ceremony served as a platform to honour this dedication, with certificates, plaques, and commemorative gifts presented to staff members in recognition of their service.
The event, which was officiated by the Deputy Premier, saw the attendance of several distinguished guests.
Also, present were Datin Amar Enn Ong Slok Ean, the wife of Datuk Amar Dr. Sim, and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
The Director of the Sarawak DID, Datu Ir. Ts. Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, was in attendance alongside his wife, Datin Rosnah Tangkong.
The occasion also drew a delegation of senior ministry officials and departmental employees, reflecting the collective importance placed on the department’s mission.
This renewed focus on the DID signals the state government’s commitment to pre-emptively managing environmental risks. Integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning is increasingly seen as a vital strategy for mitigating flood risks and enhancing water security.
The department’s evolving mandate places it at the forefront of adapting Sarawak’s infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century, ensuring development does not come at the expense of environmental health.
