The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak brought agencies, councils, developers and engineering professionals together at Wisma Sanyan to discuss compliance with the Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management guidelines, known as SUStoM. Their technical feedback will inform the study.

SUStoM already forms part of development control. It covers planning submissions, earthworks and erosion-and-sediment control, followed by stormwater engineering plans. The Sibu discussion concerns how those requirements work under local ground conditions, rather than an announced exemption from drainage standards.

Complete technical submissions and timely assessments were among the priorities raised. For developers and surrounding neighbourhoods, the issue links approval efficiency with drainage and flood protection. The latest statement did not announce revised requirements or a date for adopting any changes.