Tiang says stormwater management requirements must therefore be practical and suited to local conditions, while maintaining the standards necessary to reduce flood risks and protect communities.

SIBU (Oct 3): Sibu’s soft-ground conditions present particular challenges for development and drainage infrastructure, said State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.

He said stormwater management requirements must therefore be practical and suited to local conditions, while maintaining the standards necessary to reduce flood risks and protect communities.

“Clear technical requirements, complete and well-prepared submissions, and timely assessments are essential to facilitate development without compromising stormwater management standards or public safety,” he said in a statement.

Tiang had earlier attended a stakeholder engagement session organised by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak on a study examining compliance with the Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management (SUStoM) Guidelines in soft-ground areas of Sibu at Wisma Sanyan.

He said the engagement provided an opportunity for government agencies, local authorities, developers and engineering professionals to share their concerns and provide technical input.

“Their feedback will help inform the study and identify suitable approaches to implementing SUStoM requirements in these areas.

“A more efficient approval process requires close cooperation among all parties,” he said.

Tiang said DID Sarawak, relevant agencies, the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) and consultants should continue the constructive dialogue and work together to address implementation challenges.

The session brought together representatives from the State Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; State Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development; State Land and Survey Department; Sibu Municipal Council; Sibu Rural District Council; SHEDA; SHEDA Sibu; Malaysian Institute of Architects; The Institution of Engineers Sibu; and DID Sarawak.

“I thank DID Sarawak for organising this engagement and all participants for their contributions.

“Our shared objective is to support sustainable development in Sibu through practical stormwater solutions that safeguard the well-being of the community,” Tiang said.