A view of the flood in Bintulu in January 2025. Photo credit: Bernama

KUCHING, Dec 3: The Sarawak Government has engaged Danish consultancy firm Ramboll to design new flood-mitigation approaches for Bintulu, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said.

He highlighted that Ramboll was appointed because Bintulu’s recurring flood problems require “bold ideas and forward-thinking solutions” that move beyond the limitations of conventional engineering methods.

Previously, the Sarawak government had engaged Ramboll to conduct a study of Sibu Cloudburst Blue Green Infrastructure masterplan for the Bukit Assek Urban Renewal, costing more than RM7 million in professional fees.

“The State needed an innovative framework capable of addressing immediate risks while preparing communities for long-term climate pressures,” he said during his ministerial winding up speech at the Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

Dr Sim emphasised that traditional dredging has become increasingly costly, resource-intensive, and unsustainable, prompting a shift towards nature-based solutions.

He said working with natural systems rather than against them would offer broader benefits, including healthier ecosystems, stronger community resilience and infrastructure that adapts to changing environmental conditions.

He described the initiative as more than a technical undertaking, calling it a long-term investment in a safer and more resilient Sarawak. —DayakDaily