Abang Johari (second left) posing for the camera prior to the start of the meeting.
Abang Johari (second right) showing a giant screen indicating wind movement and weather. – Photos by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said he has approved RM100 million for 2017 flood mitigation projects.
“There is a total of 114 projects all over the state. Out of the full sum, RM45.78 million has been allocated this year to implement 97 projects, out of which 63 should be completed by the end of the year or early next year,” Abang Johari told a press conference after his meeting with the the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) at the State Operations Room in Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Petra Jaya here today.
“The remainder of the projects (51) will commence early next year. The implementing agencies are the local councils, Drainage and Irrigation Department and Public Work Department.”
As of Dec 20 2017, out of 97 projects, 13 have been completed; 71 under various stages of implementation; eight are still under tender evaluation and five at various stages of pre-implementation.
As a medium term measure upgrading works to major drainage outlets at Sarawak General Hospital area, Jalan Batu Lintang, Taman Malihah, Federal quarters area, SK Muara Tuang, Sungai Sinjan, Sungai Gersik and Sungai Tabuan, Abang Johari said a dredging project with a total approved cost of RM150 million have been put up.
Currently this project is under the tender evaluation stage, he added.
As a long term measure, the state government has approved the implementation of Sarawak Urban Storm Water Management Manual for new development areas.
This is because the rapid disposal approach is no longer effective and efficient to cope with current development, he explained.
The Chief Minister then urged people to be cautious in what ever activities they would do during this time of unpredictable weather.
He also introduced to the people the ‘mycuaca.com’ application to keep themselves abreast with latest information on the weather especially on which direction the monsoon wind blows.
He assured people that the flash flood is not that severe but they are still required to do things cautiously and this include driving through or against strong water current on the roads.
He assured people that the bad weather may end in five days time but those staying in northern region would be experiencing heavy rain during that period.