KUCHING: The federal government has officially handed over the completed eight River Corridor Rehabilitation Plan (RMKS) projects under the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to the Sarawak government.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the projects which amounted to RM63 million involved the river corridors of Batang Kayan; Batang Balingian; Batang Sadong in Pekan Gedong and Serian; Batang Sadong in Simunjan; Retaining Wall Sungai Baram; Rumah Naing; Pekan Sabtu Oya; and Betong.
“These projects were implemented to strengthen the riverbanks to curb the erosion issue and to ensure the smooth flow of river water in addition to protecting property and public structures along the banks of the river.
“The projects also provide added value with the development of recreational areas for local residents and bring benefits to nearly 195,000 local residents there,” he told a press conference during his working visit to Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Nik Nazmi assured that Putrajaya will continue to work with the Sarawak government to ensure that river corridor rehabilitation projects can be continued.
“This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people while improving their lives and economic growth for the state in line with the concept of Malaysia Madani,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Sim Kui Hian thanked the federal government for the completion of the projects here.
“Although some of the projects had started a few years back, we are grateful that the projects have now been officially handed over to the state government.
“The minister (Nik) had mentioned that the DID had the biggest budget in his ministry. For Sarawak, we require the budget due to the Concurrent List.
“We hope the process is accelerated so that all the flood mitigation projects here will get going,” he said.
The handover ceremony of the eight RMKS projects was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
Also present were NRECC Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, deputy secretary general (Natural Resources) Abdul Wahid Abu Salim, and NRECC deputy secretary general (Energy, Environment and Climate Change) Datuk Mohamad Razif.
