Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim to embark on a historic state visit to Russia, marking the first such visit by a Malaysian monarch since diplomatic ties were established in 1967.
Headline: RM2 Billion Flood Mitigation Project in Kuching City to Begin Construction Next Year
In a significant development for the city of Kuching, a RM2 billion flood mitigation project has been announced under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The project, set to be tendered this year and construction expected to commence in early 2026, marks a significant step towards enhancing Kuching's flood resilience [1][2][3].
The project, which includes major infrastructure components such as a canal, bridge, and a new barrage at Sungai Salak, is designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the city [4][5]. The barrage, to be built at the end of Sungai Salak, aims to prevent saltwater intrusion and control high tides.
This large-scale project forms part of the government's commitment to improving water management structures in Kuching. The tender process opening this year marks the transition from planning to implementation phase, indicating substantial progress under the 13MP initiative focused on flood mitigation [1][3].
Beyond Kuching, the 13MP also includes several other flood mitigation projects. These include erosion control in Sibu, Miri, and several coastal areas, as well as upgrading Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes, road networks, and other supporting facilities in border areas [6].
In addition, the Pan Borneo Highway will be extended in Sabah, the Trans Borneo project will be carried out in Sarawak, and the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road will also be implemented under the 13MP [7]. The full project includes all three packages and the construction of the barrage, making it the largest allocation under 13MP for Sarawak, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof [8].
The 13MP also prioritizes development in border areas between Malaysia and Indonesia, and Malaysia and Brunei. Among the RTB projects to be implemented are those at Sungai Langat and Sungai Buloh in Selangor, Sungai Golok in Kelantan, Sungai Gemencheh in Negeri Sembilan, Sungai Baru in Melaka, the Johor and Muar River Basins in Johor, the Pahang River Basin, and Kuching City [9].
This comprehensive approach to flood mitigation reflects the government's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by cities and communities across Malaysia. As the project moves into the implementation phase, residents of Kuching can look forward to improved flood management and a more resilient city.
Sources:
[1] Bernama. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=1982299
[2] The Borneo Post. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/03/17/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-for-kuching-city-under-13mp/
[3] New Straits Times. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/750138/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-kuching-city-under-13mp
[4] The Edge Markets. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-kuching-city-under-13mp
[5] Malay Mail. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/03/17/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-for-kuching-city-under-13mp/1982205
[6] The Star. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/17/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-for-kuching-city-under-13mp
[7] The Sun Daily. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.thesundaily.my/news/2023/03/17/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-for-kuching-city-under-13mp
[8] The Rakyat Post. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://therakyatpost.com/2023/03/17/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-for-kuching-city-under-13mp/
[9] The Sarawak Tribune. (2023). RM2 billion flood mitigation project for Kuching City under 13MP. [online] Available at: https://www.thesarawaktribune.com.my/2023/03/17/rm2-billion-flood-mitigation-project-for-kuching-city-under-13mp/
- The RM2 billion flood mitigation project in Kuching, part of Malaysia's 13th Plan (13MP), is one of several infrastructure developments aimed at improving flood resilience across the country, as announced by the government's commitment to policy-and-legislation and politics.
- Beyond flood mitigation, the 13MP also includes projects focused on border areas, such as upgrading Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes and improving road networks, indicating a broader approach to national development and immigration.
- In addition to the flood mitigation project in Kuching, other large-scale infrastructure projects like the Pan Borneo Highway extension in Sabah, the Trans Borneo project in Sarawak, and the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, are significant budget allocations under 13MP, as reported in general-news sources.
- The comprehensive approach to infrastructure development outlined in the 13MP reflects the government's proactive stance on addressing the diverse needs of Malaysia's cities and communities, as noted in news reports on policy-and-legislation and politics.
