Fadillah speaks during the National-level World Rivers Day 2026 celebration in Sibu on Saturday. – Photo by Maxwell Atan

SIBU (Oct 24): Sarawak has been allocated RM7.4 billion for 46 water-related projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), covering flood mitigation, river conservation and coastal erosion control.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said the allocation under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) comprised 33 continuation projects and 13 new projects.

Of the total, RM5.8 billion was allocated for projects implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), including flood mitigation, river conservation and coastal erosion control.

“The implementation of these projects is expected to strengthen water resource security, reduce disaster risks and improve the well-being of the people,” he said.

Fadillah said this in his speech at the National-level World Rivers Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 here.

The event was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the projects reflected the ministry’s commitment to ensuring more effective management of rivers and water resources.

He stressed that close cooperation between the Sarawak government, implementing agencies, local authorities and communities was crucial to ensuring the projects achieved their intended objectives.

Also present were Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing; Deputy Premier and State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian; Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek; and Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee.