PMX approves RM150 million allocation for repair works on Sungai Sarawak barrage

KUCHING, March 13 2026: The federal government has approved an allocation of RM150 million for repair works on Sungai Sarawak barrage which has been affected by erosion.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (picture) said his deputy Fadillah Yusof had requested the allocation from him during the previous government cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his deputy Fadillah Yusof had requested the allocation from him during the previous government cabinet meeting.

He explained that the allocation application was approved during today’s State Development Meeting held at the Satria Pertiwi Complex which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg.

"So we have agreed after listening, around RM150 million has been allocated to immediately repair the barrage," he said when speaking at the Sarawak Level Madani Iftar ceremony 2026 at the Sarawak State Mosque, Petra Jaya.

Fadillah, when met by reporters, said that the allocation of RM150 million was to address the issue of erosion at the barrage, especially in the upstream and downstream areas.

He said that this matter was discussed in the context of the flood limitation plan, and a state study on the integrity of the barrage was one of the important things requested before approval could be given.

"Only the study from the state needs to be given as soon as possible so that we can take it to the Ministry of Economy and also to the Cabinet," he explained.

On March 10, Sarawak Minister of Transport Lee Kim Shin had said that Fadillah had acknowledged the urgent need to undertake remedial works to address the deteriorating structural conditions of the Sarawak River Barrage.

Lee said that Fadillah, in a meeting with a delegation of the state MoT, also wanted the expansion of riverbed scouring both upstream and downstream of the barrage to be continued.

“These works are essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of the barrage in supporting flood mitigation efforts in Kuching and its surrounding areas,” Lee said in a statement.

According to Lee, Fadillah stressed the importance of enhancing the river monitoring system and encouraged closer collaboration between the federal Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and its state counterpart on the proposed upgrading of telemetry stations at barrage.

“The upgrading initiative is expected to improve real-time monitoring capabilities and strengthen flood management operations along the Sungai Sarawak Basin,” he said.