Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil

KUCHING (May 21): The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak is planning to construct a series of vertical shaft systems, linked by underground tunnels, which will serve as reservoirs to collect the excessive water runoff and gradually discharge the excess water into nearby rivers, said Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.

The Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government described the proposed system as a more disruptive, innovative, and sustainable solution to address Miri’s flood and flash flood issues, and the concept is inspired by models used in Western countries.

“As an alternative, we may also utilise existing underground sewerage tunnels to collect and discharge excess water, similar to approaches implemented in Canada and other Western nations,” he said.

He made these remarks in response to Adam Yii (GPS-Pujut), who raised questions about immediate and long-term flood mitigation plans by the Sarawak government for Miri during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

Regarding immediate flood mitigation plan, Penguang said DID has undertaken the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan Phase 1, which commenced in November 2023 at a cost of RM25.655 million.

“This project includes the construction of two pump stations at Jalan Miri Lutong (beside Lutong bridge), and at Jalan Permaisuri (next to the cemetery at Sungai Baong) to mitigate the flood problem at Kampung Pangkalan Lutong and Jalan Jee Foh,” he said.

In addition to this project, he said  the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan Phase 2 has also been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

“The detailed design has been completed and is expected to be tendered by the last quarter of 2025.

“This Phase 2 will cover Pujut, Lopeng and part of Taman Tunku,” he added.

When asked about the total scheme value of the project, Penguang said that it amounts to RM50 million, whereas the ceiling for 12MP is RM5 million, which is only sufficient for the detailed design services, survey works, and partial land acquisition.

He said the main components of the project include deepening and widening of Sungai Dalam, detention pond, removal of dilapidated structures or obstruction bridges, drainage works, and river wall.