(Kuching, 12th) Residents of Batu Kawa will soon benefit from new flood protection measures, as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) has officially handed over the contract for the second phase of the Desa Wira flood mitigation project to the appointed contractor.
The project has a total value of RM36.66 million and will be constructed by Pembinaan Kuantiti Sdn Bhd, with an expected construction period of 18 months, starting from January 5, 2026, and completing by July 5, 2027.
The second phase will focus on building the last of the four planned retention ponds to address the area's flooding issues.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian stated that this project is of great significance to the Batu Kawa community.
"When both the first and second phases are fully completed, the flood protection works will safeguard approximately 58 hectares in the Taman Desa Wira area, including Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, benefiting over 4,000 residents," he wrote in an official Facebook post.
He pointed out that financial allocations from the federal or state governments have always been a priority in addressing the problems of N14 Batu Kawa residents.
"Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents is our responsibility," he added.
The second phase includes a retention pond covering 11,300 square meters, with a capacity of 30,000 cubic meters of water, equipped with three high-capacity water pumps—the same technology used in Sibu.
"The retention pond and high-capacity pumps will be able to cope with overflow during heavy rainfall, greatly reducing flood risk," he explained.
In addition, a 3-kilometer-long, 3-meter-wide riverbank walkway will be constructed.
"The embankment not only provides flood protection but will also become a new recreational landmark for the Batu Kawa community," he said.
The first phase of the project has been completed at a cost of RM14.5 million, bringing the total investment for both phases to RM51 million.
Sim Kui Hian emphasized: "With this investment, we are confident that we can significantly reduce the flood risk in Batu Kawa. The Desa Wira project is also part of the state government’s broader strategy to protect communities along Batu Kawa, working in tandem with two other retention ponds at MJC and Pine Square. This is not just a flood mitigation project, but a symbol of the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people."
The project has a total value of RM36.66 million and will be constructed by Pembinaan Kuantiti Sdn Bhd, with an expected construction period of 18 months, starting from January 5, 2026, and completing by July 5, 2027.
The second phase will focus on building the last of the four planned retention ponds to address the area's flooding issues.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian stated that this project is of great significance to the Batu Kawa community.
"When both the first and second phases are fully completed, the flood protection works will safeguard approximately 58 hectares in the Taman Desa Wira area, including Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, benefiting over 4,000 residents," he wrote in an official Facebook post.
"Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents is our responsibility," he added.
The second phase includes a retention pond covering 11,300 square meters, with a capacity of 30,000 cubic meters of water, equipped with three high-capacity water pumps—the same technology used in Sibu.
"The retention pond and high-capacity pumps will be able to cope with overflow during heavy rainfall, greatly reducing flood risk," he explained.
In addition, a 3-kilometer-long, 3-meter-wide riverbank walkway will be constructed.
"The embankment not only provides flood protection but will also become a new recreational landmark for the Batu Kawa community," he said.
The first phase of the project has been completed at a cost of RM14.5 million, bringing the total investment for both phases to RM51 million.
Sim Kui Hian emphasized: "With this investment, we are confident that we can significantly reduce the flood risk in Batu Kawa. The Desa Wira project is also part of the state government’s broader strategy to protect communities along Batu Kawa, working in tandem with two other retention ponds at MJC and Pine Square. This is not just a flood mitigation project, but a symbol of the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people."