Ahmad Denney (right) presents a token of appreciation to Dr Sim during the dinner in Kuching, witnessed by Law (left) and Tiang.

KUCHING (Oct 25): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called for a collective transformation in policy and mindset to realise Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a high-income state by 2030.

Speaking at the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Sarawak Appreciation Dinner 2025 here last night, Dr Sim said drainage and irrigation should no longer be viewed merely as engineering functions but as critical enablers of economic growth, climate resilience, and urban liveability.

“Sarawak’s nation-building is entering a very different phase. DID, as a technical agency, carries a heavy responsibility. There are only a few technical agencies recognised by the federal government, such as the Public Works Department (JKR) and DID,” he said.

He urged DID personnel at all levels to evolve beyond traditional approaches and embrace new ways of thinking.

“This change in mindset must happen not only among directors and engineers but across the entire organisation,” he added.

Dr Sim also underscored the importance of policy and mindset transformation to ensure the seamless implementation of Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“Under the 13MP, we have a lot to do — and we aim to perform better than anyone else,” he said.

He said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has emphasised infrastructure readiness and environmental sustainability, balanced regional development, digital transformation and innovation, and improved quality of life as key priorities under the 13MP.

In line with this, Dr Sim said Sarawak’s drainage and irrigation designs must be aligned with urban growth and land use plans to ensure every development project contributes to flood resilience.

He also highlighted the need to strengthen cross-agency collaboration between DID, local councils, utility providers, and planning authorities to ensure integrated and sustainable infrastructure development under Sarawak’s 13MP.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, Sarawak DID director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, deputy director Law Wee, and other distinguished guests.