Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (second left) chatting with flood victims at SJKC Chung Hua Batu Kawa in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak will carry out a study to improve the drainage system throughout the state, particularly in flood-prone areas, to reduce the occurrence of floods.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the study will be based on the best practices and systems used in countries like the Netherlands, which are effective in managing floods.
He said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian recently led a team to the Netherlands to learn more about their drainage and flood mitigation systems.
"We need to study our drainage system overall for improvement, which we can then implement in stages.
"We must have a proper system in place to be developed until one day in future there will be no floods, even during heavy rain, as the storm drains will be well managed," Abang Johari said.
He was speaking to reporters after visiting a flood evacuation centre at SJKC Chung Hua Batu Kawa here on Thursday (March 2), which was housing 80 people from 19 families of Kampung Rantau Panjang since Tuesday (Feb 28).
Abang Johari said the drainage improvement would take time as it would cost billions.
"That's why we have to do it in stages. For example, we're now working on improving drainage in Rantau Panjang, Desa Wira and Semariang to ensure that rainwater can flow out," he said.
He added that once the retaining wall at the Rantau Panjang riverbank was completed, it would protect the village from flash floods caused by high tides and heavy rain.
It was previously reported that the project, which includes beautification works along the riverfront, was scheduled to be completed in May this year.
