Bintulu flood-mitigation work at three sites is targeted to start in October after an extra RM53 million allocation. The package covers remaining Phase Two components at Gem Park, Desa Damai and SJK Sebiew. The Bintulu DID may call the tender in early September, with physical work expected between mid- and late October. A separate long-term study would examine Bintulu’s wider flood-mitigation system, including the capacity of existing measures and where upgrades are needed. Sarawak is considering an international consultancy working with local experts, but the firm, cost and scope are still under discussion. The October date is a target, not a guarantee that flooding will stop. Residents in the affected areas should continue following local warnings during heavy rain while waiting for the tender notice and confirmed work schedule. Location: Bintulu, Sarawak

The RM150 million remedial project for the Sungai Sarawak barrage had still not received final implementation approval as of Aug 20, despite the federal allocation being announced in March. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin raised the delay after a site briefing on riverbed scouring near the barrage. The federal government announced RM150 million on March 13, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) was named implementing agency, and DID Sarawak later submitted the latest proposal to DID Malaysia for consideration and approval. Allocation, approval and construction are three different stages. A budget announcement does not mean a contractor has started work. At that point, the proposal was still moving through the approval process, which is why the minister called for it to be accelerated. The barrage has operated since Dec 1, 1997 as part of the Sungai Sarawak Regulation Scheme. Its five radial gates, navigation shiplock and bridge support flood mitigation, river-level management and navigation around Kuching. No closure or immediate public emergency was announced. The issue is planned remedial work for continued safe and reliable operation. The next facts worth watching are final approval, tender or contractor appointment, scope of works and the construction timetable. This update concerns planning, repairs or public data—not an automatic notice that the facility has closed or that a power or water disruption is imminent. The next useful confirmation is the agency's approval, tender, works timetable or published measurement. [image: 1787276043889-barrage.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily