SERIAN: Various flood and coastal erosion mitigation programmes are underway as part of the federal government’s efforts to reduce the impact of recurring floods in the state.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof assured that these initiatives, including a significant flood mitigation project in Kuching, are designed to address the state’s flooding challenges.
He noted that the RM1 billion flood mitigation project for Sarawak River is one of the major efforts, aimed at reducing flood risks in areas such as Bau, Serian, and Kuching.
“Throughout Sarawak, there are ongoing programmes for coastal erosion and flood mitigation. Some are part of the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“Subject to the allocation, insyaAllah, we will bid for everything that is needed,” he told the media after visiting a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at the Basketball Indoor Stadium here Saturday.
Despite the progress on these long-term solutions, Fadillah acknowledged the logistical challenges in responding to floods, particularly in remote areas.
He added that while the ongoing flood mitigation programmes aim to reduce future flood risks, the immediate response to current disasters is facing logistical challenges.
The Minister of Energy Transition & Water Transformation (PETRA) said that in some instances, flood-hit communities have had to rely on helicopters for aid delivery due to blocked roads and flooded villages.
“In places like Bintulu, longhouses are completely cut off, requiring us to send supplies by helicopter. Even then, finding suitable landing zones is difficult due to the floods,” he explained.
Fadillah then reassured that efforts to overcome these challenges and deliver aid promptly are continuing.
