KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged the federal government to ensure equitable support for flood mitigation projects, emphasising that such initiatives fall under the concurrent list of responsibilities shared by federal and state authorities.
He said this in his Facebook post today (Dec 12) after he led a delegation of Sarawak representatives for a tour to Tokyo’s renowned Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel.
Dr Sim said he was informed that Selangor government delegation visited the facility last week.
“After we left in the morning, was told the Penang government delegation will visit the facility in the afternoon.
“Looks like irrespective of state, we face the same issue of flooding from rapid urban development and the current pressing issues of climate change,” he added.
Therefore, he said as flood mitigation is under concurrent list, the state government hope the federal government will treat Sarawak equally as Penang and Selangor in funding.
“Must not just because Sarawak state revenue of RM15.8 billion for 2025 and Penang state revenue of RM940 million for 2025, Selangor state revenue of RM3 billion for 2025, Sarawak will have to pay for flood mitigation ourselves and the federal government will help Penang and Selangor.
“The federal government will help up the RM10 billion light rail transit (LRT) system for Penang which is expected to start construction next year but the Sarawak government will need to finance our Kuching Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) which is under construction now ourselves,” Dr Sim said.
