KUCHING: The Sarawak government will conduct a comprehensive study on the state’s drainage system and emulate Netherlands’ drainage structure.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the system will be implemented in stages at low-lying and flood-risk areas in Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Sri Aman.
The implementation of the system requires a lot of money and it can take up to billions of ringgit, he said.
“We need to review our drainage system comprehensively because if you look at it, Singapore does not flood even though it is an island and has low-lying areas. It is because the country has an effective drainage system.
“I have asked Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and his team to go to the Netherlands to see their (drainage) system and conduct a thorough study in Sarawak.
“The country’s drainage system is very good even though it is located below sea level,” he said when met by reporters after visiting the SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa temporary relief centre (PPS), which accommodates 80 people from 19 families, yesterday (Mar 2).
Abang Johari said if the Dutch system is appropriate for Sarawak, then it will be used in low-lying areas in Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Sri Aman.
However, he said implementation the system is costly and could reach billions of ringgit.
“We can study and implement the system gradually, maybe two or three years in Kuching, then go to Sibu. It depends on our funds but we must have a system.
“When there is heavy downpour next time, there won’t be any flood problems,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that the effort is important to deal with the annual flood problems.
For the record, Dr Sim was conducted a working visit to the Netherlands to obtain expertise and technical assistance from the country in dealing with the flood problems in the state.
Dr Sim said Sarawak should emulate the Dutch expertise, evolution and progress in water management (seas, rivers, parties and others), especially in relation to solving flood problems.
The visit was an eye-opener for him and the rest of the delegation that Sarawak not only emulate. the Durtch water management approach for the urban renewal of Sibu town but also for the whole of Sarawak.
