Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said the Sarawak government, under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), had approved Phase 4 of the project, valued at RM120 million, which is expected to protect an area of 618 hectares upon completion, primarily covering the Bukit Assek area, Bernama reported.

Fadillah said Phase 5 of the project had been proposed to the government but yet to get approval.

“We hope to include the project, with a cost of nearly RM500 million, in the 13MP.

“Once completed, it is expected to reduce the flood risk and protect around 100,000 residents, including key areas such as the Sibu city centre and villages,” he said.

Fadillah spoke to reporters after a visit to Phase 3 of the Sibu RTB project and flood-affected areas of Kampung Usahajaya, Sentosa, Sibu, today.

“Phase 3 of the project, with a contract cost of RM85 million, was completed on Dec 1, 2023.

“With the completion of this project, over 15,000 residents of Kampung Datu, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Nangka, Kampung Datu Baru and surrounding residential and commercial areas around Jalan Bandong, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg and Jalan Awang Ramli Amit, spanning an area of 270ha, will be protected from floods,” he said.

Phases 1 and 2 of the project, with a combined cost of RM183 million, were completed in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

They brought relief to over 10,000 residents occupying 400ha, encompassing residential, commercial and school areas around Jalan Hulu Lanang, including the general operations force camp.

Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said the Sibu irrigation and drainage department has also received an allocation of RM25 million from the Sarawak government’s people’s project fund.

This is to upgrade the drainage system and address flooding issues in Kampung Usahajaya and surrounding areas. This work is expected to be completed in April 2025.

Fadillah said the federal government has allocated RM1.5 million for immediate maintenance and repairs of structures damaged by floods to reduce the burden on local residents.