Yap (front, right) speaks during the project briefing meeting. On his right is Ahmad Denney.

KUCHING (Aug 22): A flood mitigation project at the Stampin Resettlement Scheme in Jalan Stampin Baru is set to benefit 1,503 households, representing a population of 9,206 residents.

Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said that flooding has long been a persistent issue in the area, posing risks to lives, infrastructure, and the environment.

“There is an urgent need for effective flood mitigation measures to safeguard the lives and properties of residents in the Stampin Resettlement Scheme,” he said in a statement following a meeting to review the project’s final report.

The meeting, held yesterday, was chaired by State Irrigation and Drainage director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi.

Based on technical and financial feasibility studies, the project consultant has proposed a comprehensive mitigation plan.

Key components include riverbank isolation with a river walk, construction of pump stations, detention ponds, and major improvements to the drainage system.

Yap said this holistic approach is designed to manage floodwaters effectively and minimise potential damage.

Recognising the time-intensive nature of the project, it will be executed in two phases to ensure timely relief for affected communities.

Phase 1, with an estimated construction cost of RM36 million, will focus on improving roadside drains along Jalan Stampin Baru to boost drainage capacity and eliminate blockages; upgrading culverts to enhance hydraulic performance; and clearing, widening, and deepening existing drainage outlets discharging into Sungai Stampin, Sungai Stutong, and Sungai Kuap.

The next step involves the preparation of detailed technical drawings and the bill of quantities before Phase 1 implementation can proceed.

Yap has urged the project consultant to complete these documents urgently to ensure that work can commence without delay, ideally by the first quarter of 2026.

“Flooding has caused repeated hardship for residents of the Stampin Resettlement Scheme. This project is not just about infrastructure, but also about protecting the well-being, homes, and livelihoods of more than 9,000 people,” he said.

Yap added that by phasing the works, the project can deliver immediate improvements while working toward a long-term solution.

He also reiterated his support for the project and called for strong collaboration between state agencies to expedite implementation.

“Flood mitigation is not only about engineering solutions; it’s about giving peace of mind to families who have suffered from recurring floods for far too long.

“Protecting our people must always be our top priority. I will continue to push for this project to move forward without delay,” he stressed.