KUCHING: Pump stations set up to reduce flooding in low-lying areas in Sibu have been operating to expectations.
“Currently, there are less reports about major floods in Sibu because the pump stations appear to be functioning well,” said Energy Transition and Public Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah who is Deputy Prime Minister, was speaking to reporters about the Sibu flood mitigation plan.
“In the Sibu area, projects are already completed, and there are upcoming new projects,” he said.
“As for the projects being carried out, they are in phases, depending on the implementation funding received,” he said.
He said this to reporters after a Chinese New Year contribution handing over ceremony at the SUPP Sungai Tengah Hall, here on Saturday.
Fadillah, in this context, also said that several flood mitigation projects in Sarawak are now in the tender process.
“When I took up the responsibility as minister in charge for this new portfolio, I was briefed that the tender process is underway, particularly for the Kuching area.
Explaining, Fadillah said that in Kuching, the main focus will be on creating connections, specifically by constructing a canal that will divert water from Sungai Sarawak to the Salak river.
“So, when floods occur, especially during high tides at sea and heavy rain upstream, it will not be concentrated in Sungai Sarawak but diverted to the Sungai Salak.
“These are part of the planned phases. We will implement and the tendering process is expected to take place this year,” he added.
