Abang Johari (third left) presenting food baskets to one of the flood victims in Sebauh. – Photo by Ukas

BINTULU (Jan 14): A state-level committee to formulate long-term flood mitigation solutions across Sarawak, including Bintulu, will be established, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the committee would focus on identifying the most sustainable measures rather than rushing into short-term fixes.

“We must have a long-term plan. For this purpose, I will set up a state-level committee to plan and implement the best solutions,” he told reporters after visiting a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Bintulu Civic Centre here.

Earlier, Abang Johari and his delegation visited the PPS at Sebauh Community Hall and SMK Sebauh, where they were briefed on the flood situation.

The Premier stressed that while proposals such as river dredging are often raised, siltation is a recurring issue, and all options must be carefully studied before any decision is made.

“Siltation will always be there. So we need to look at alternatives. I do not want to make any premature announcements. This requires discussion, long-term planning and consideration of our engineering capabilities,” he explained.

He noted that the committee’s scope would cover all of Sarawak, not just Bintulu.

“However, at the local level, specific committees are already in place, including one under the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to address river widening projects such as the Sungai Sebiew,” he said.

Studies for river improvement projects in Bintulu have been completed and are now at the planning stage, although costs have yet to be determined.

The state-level committee will also examine urban drainage systems, particularly in rapidly developing residential areas.

“We need to look at the entire storm drainage system. In some new housing areas, land has been raised but drainage has not been adequately upgraded,” he said, adding that developers must either upgrade existing systems or build new ones in line with the master plan.

Abang Johari stressed that careful coordination with developers and the BDA is key to improving Bintulu’s drainage system.

He noted that rapid development has sometimes led to deviations from the masterplan.

He cited the new township in Jepak as an example, where proper drainage systems will be implemented to channel water from surrounding hills into retention areas and eventually into the river.

Regarding infrastructure damage, Abang Johari said repairs to roads and other facilities would be postponed until after the monsoon season to avoid further issues from potential flooding in February.

The Premier noted that the flood situation has improved, with 56 evacuation centres closed, leaving 10 still in operation.

The number of flood victims has dropped from more than 7,400 at the peak to 1,638 as of 12pm today.

He expressed satisfaction with relief efforts in Sebauh, highlighting that victims received medical support, adequate food supplies, and up to five meals daily.

Abang Johari also thanked the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, state and federal civil service agencies, security forces, rescue teams, NGOs, volunteers, and the media for their coordinated response.

He said early preparedness, which began in September last year, helped authorities manage the floods more effectively.

“As we all know, weather conditions cannot be accurately predicted. Sometimes we receive reports from the Meteorological Department where the timing may be correct, but the location is not precise,” he said.