Dr Sim (fourth left) witnesses the handing over of the LoA from Ahmad Denney (third left) to the contractor. Also seen is Yap (third right).

KUCHING (Sept 3): The long-awaited flood mitigation project for the Stampin Resettlement Scheme took a major step forward with the official handing over of the Letter of Award (LoA) to the appointed contractor TMK Construction and Transport Sdn Bhd yesterday.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap witnessed the handing over by Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi to the contractor.

“Today marks an important transition from planning to implementation. The residents of the Stampin Resettlement Scheme have waited a long time for a comprehensive solution to the flooding problem, and I am pleased to see this project now moving forward with the formal appointment of the contractor,” Yap said in a statement.

The flood mitigation project forms part of the Sarawak government’s comprehensive efforts to address recurring flooding in the Stampin area, and the RM350-million project will be implemented in stages.

Phase 1 focuses on substantially improving the drainage capacity of the area, including the upgrading of roadside drains along Jalan Stampin Baru, upgrading of culverts, as well as the clearing, widening and deepening of existing drainage outlets leading towards Sungai Stampin, Sungai Stutong and Sungai Kuap.

The Phase 1 construction component is valued at RM87,956,231.16, representing a significant investment in strengthening flood resilience and protecting the surrounding communities, he said.

“This is not just about building drains, but about protecting homes, livelihoods and the well-being of our people. For residents who have experienced repeated flooding, effective flood mitigation means more than better drainage. It means greater security, confidence and peace of mind,” he said.

Yap called on the appointed contractor to undertake the works with the highest standards of quality, safety and workmanship, while ensuring that the project progresses according to schedule and that disruption to residents and road users is kept to a minimum.

He assured that he would monitor the implementation closely, saying the people had been waiting long enough.

“What matters now is delivery… we must ensure that the project is implemented properly according to specifications and delivers the intended results.”

The comprehensive flood mitigation plan encompasses improvements to the drainage network and related infrastructure, including reinforced-concrete drains and culverts, drainage channels, detention ponds and other flood-mitigation measures designed to improve storm water management and reduce flood risks.

The project is expected to provide significant protection to the Stampin Resettlement Scheme, with the project plan indicating that approximately 1,053 households, or about 9,026 people, will benefit from the flood mitigation measures.