Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng questioned whether that reserve fund could realistically cover a project of that size.

Source: The Borneo Post

What happened

Wee said MBKS has about RM300 million in reserves, while the wider flood mitigation project for Kuching is estimated at RM2.6 billion.

His point was simple: even if the council used the reserve, it would still be far short of the amount needed.

He also said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof had already announced that major flood mitigation projects in Sarawak would start progressively from 2027.

Why people are talking

The issue came after Michael Kong, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman, urged MBKS to review its priorities and consider using part of its reserves for drainage and flood mitigation works.

Kong argued that financial prudence should not become an excuse for inaction when long-standing infrastructure problems are affecting residents.

Wee pushed back, saying large-scale flood mitigation falls under federal responsibility and should not be turned into another political issue.

Location: Kuching South / MBKS area
Details: RM2.6 billion flood mitigation project; RM300 million MBKS reserve fund; federal rollout expected from 2027

Source: The Borneo Post

For Kuching residents who deal with flash floods, the big question is whether the money and timeline can match the actual problem on the ground. What do you think?