SIBU — A total of 46 water-related projects costing RM7.4 billion have been approved for Sarawak under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), comprising 33 ongoing projects and 13 new projects.
The projects aim to ensure water security, reduce disaster risks and improve public well-being, according to the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).
The Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening river and water resource management in Sarawak is being implemented through PETRA and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (DID), covering development projects, Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) studies and community engagement initiatives.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the 2026 National World Rivers Day celebration, themed “Rivers and Streams in Our Community”, held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 here today.
The event was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and attended by Deputy Prime Minister and PETRA Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
Sibu was chosen as the venue because it lies within the Batang Rajang Basin, Malaysia’s largest river basin, which plays a vital role in local livelihoods, ecosystem sustainability and Sarawak’s economic development, including hydroelectric power generation.
The celebration also saw the launch of the River Corridor Development Guidelines and the presentation of the 2026 Special Water Resources Award (AKSA), recognising community efforts to conserve and protect water resources.
Six projects were also handed over to the Sarawak Government, comprising:
- Coastal Erosion Control Project at Kampung Semarang, Pusa, Betong.
- National River Trail (DSK) along Sungai Pesang in Kampung Pesang.
- National River Trail along Sungai Serian in Kampung Stabut, Serian.
- Integrated River Basin Management study for Batang Samarahan.
- Integrated River Basin Management study for Sungai Sibuti.
- Integrated River Basin Management study for Batang Saribas.
Community participation in river conservation is also being strengthened through the development of National River Trails in Sarawak in 2026. The initiative provides recreational and environmental education spaces while encouraging the public to appreciate and take collective responsibility for protecting rivers.
More than 1,000 visitors took part in activities organised for the celebration, including the National Water Resources Expedition Programme (EKSAN) around Sibu and Kapit, a fishing competition at Batang Rajang, photography, videography and colouring contests, Pocket Talk sessions, River Walk activities, and a Rahmah exhibition and sales programme.
PETRA said it would continue to strengthen cooperation with the Sarawak Government and various stakeholders, in line with the National Water Policy and the Water Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040), to ensure the sustainable management of rivers and water resources.
The efforts are aimed at safeguarding water resources, protecting the environment and ensuring public well-being for future generations.
