KUCHING: The Sarawak government through relevant agencies are continuously implementing measures to improve the drainage system in Bintulu town. 

According to Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, the Sarawak government has approved RM64.82 million for the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak (DID) to implement 13 projects to address flash flood issues in Bintulu. 

As for the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), RM3.018 million was spent from 2021 to 2023 to upgrade the drainage system in residential areas in Bintulu town and for 2024, RM1.9 million has been set aside for the same purpose. 

“10 projects have been completed, while the remaining three are in progress, including flood mitigation plans for Sungai Sepegang, Kampung Assyakirin, and Taman Good Park along Jalan Tanjung Batu.

“BDA also planned to carry out the drainage upgrading works in 2025 for RPR Sebiew, Taman Suarah and Taman Austral Height,” he said. 

He said this in response to a question from Tanjong Batu Assemblyman, Johnny Pang Leong Ming at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Wednesday.
 
Datuk Dr Penguang added that the Sarawak government has approved the implementation of the Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management (SUStoM) Guideline, which is deemed to be a promising solution for flash flood mitigation in this region. 

“It is timely to take proactive measures to change the rapid disposal of surface water runoff to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach of 'controlled-at-source',” he said. -UKASnews