Integrated River Basin Management study for Batang Rajang expected to be completed in August next year, says Fadillah

SIBU, Oct 24 2026: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) study for Batang Rajang is expected to be completed by August next year.

Caption: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof says the Department of Irrigation and Drainage is conducting the study for the Batang Rajang Basin. 

He said the findings from this study are intended to provide an action plan to assist the Sarawak government in planning river management in a more integrated, systematic, and sustainable manner. 

"This effort is crucial for preserving water resources, mitigating flood risks, and ensuring that development is carried out with due regard for the well-being of the community and environmental sustainability," he said at the 2026 National-Level World Rivers Day celebration themed “Rivers and Waterways in Our Community” at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 here today.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister, said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage is conducting the study for the Batang Rajang Basin. 

"This basin is one of nine river basins in Sarawak included in the implementation of the IRBM study," he said.

Fadillah added the allocations, development projects, and studies reflect Petra’s commitment to ensuring that rivers and water resources are managed more effectively. 

"However, the success of these initiatives requires close collaboration between the Sarawak Government, implementing agencies, local authorities, and the community. 

"When sound planning is coupled with public participation, the benefits can be sustained over the long term," he said.

The deputy prime minister said under the Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a sum of RM7.4 billion has been allocated for 46 water-related projects in Sarawak, comprising 33 ongoing projects and 13 new ones.

"Of this total, RM5.8 billion is earmarked for projects implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), covering areas such as flood mitigation, river conservation, and coastal erosion control," he said, adding that thee implementation of these projects is expected to strengthen water resource security, reduce disaster risks, and enhance the well-being of the people.