Sarawak requests federal funding for RM2 billion artificial tributary to combat worsening Kuching floods
KUCHING: State authorities in Sarawak are requesting federal government assistance to accelerate a critical flood mitigation initiative in Kuching, where flooding has intensified in recent years.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (pic) has approached Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof for support in securing federal backing for the multibillion-ringgit project.
According to Dr Sim, approximately RM2 billion in funding will be required to construct an artificial tributary designed to redirect excess water from the Sarawak River, which runs through the state capital.
“When the Sarawak River swells, it overflows into numerous constituencies, from Batu Kawah through to the upper reaches of the river,” Dr Sim explained during a recent inspection of a flood evacuation facility, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit.
The proposed solution involves creating an 8-kilometer artificial waterway that would channel floodwaters away from vulnerable areas along the Sarawak River.
“Federal support is essential for this urgent infrastructure project,” Dr Sim emphasised.
The deputy premier noted that recent flooding in Kuching has affected not only coastal zones facing the South China Sea but also inland communities along the Sarawak River.
Beyond the main artificial tributary project, Dr Sim outlined plans for complementary flood control measures. Large retention ponds must be built simultaneously across all flood-prone locations in Kuching, requiring an estimated RM200 million in state government funding.
The appeal for assistance comes as Sarawak experiences heightened flood activity during the current monsoon season, with Kuching and surrounding regions facing recurring inundation problems.
