Desa Wira flood retention pond completed as Sarawak advances long term flood mitigation plan

suppadmin | July 5, 2026

The flood retention pond at Lorong Desa Wira 7 has been officially completed, marking another significant milestone in the Sarawak government’s Phase One Batu Kawa flood mitigation plan and bringing the state closer to its long term goal of resolving flooding issues in Desa Wira and surrounding areas.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the RM14.5 million project at Lorong Desa Wira 7 is designed to temporarily store stormwater during periods of heavy rainfall when the existing drainage system is unable to cope with the volume of runoff, thereby reducing flood risks.

The retention pond covers approximately 1.4 hectares, equivalent to about 40 detached housing lots, and has a storage capacity of around 40,000 cubic metres of rainwater, or roughly the volume of 12,000 water tanker trucks.

Dr Sim expressed his appreciation to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for allocating RM14.5 million for the project, saying the funding has provided strong support for improving flood mitigation efforts in the area.

He also thanked the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the contractor for completing the project responsibly, and nearby residents for their understanding and cooperation throughout the construction period.

The project involved the construction of 2.5 kilometres of reinforced concrete drains, pedestrian walkways, safety guardrails, upgrading of the flood retention pond, and improvements to the existing internal drainage system.

Dr Sim explained that during heavy rainfall, the retention pond will temporarily hold excess stormwater before it is pumped into Sungai Maong, a tributary of the Sarawak River, after water levels subside. This will be facilitated through the ongoing RM36.6 million Phase Two Desa Wira flood mitigation project funded by the Sarawak government.

“When there is no water stored in the retention pond, the area will become a flat open space for community activities such as football and other outdoor recreational events,” he said.
He added that the authorities are also studying ways to further enhance the site’s recreational and community use during the dry season.

Separately, the Sarawak government has allocated RM63.88 million to construct two additional retention ponds covering a total area of about seven acres, along with drainage upgrading works, on land in front of Batu Kawa New Township and near the Pine Square commercial centre. Both projects are currently under construction.

Once all the related projects are completed, they are expected to significantly improve the area’s overall drainage capacity and strengthen flood mitigation measures in Batu Kawah.

Dr Sim stressed that addressing the long standing flood problem cannot be achieved simply by upgrading one or two drains. Instead, it requires a comprehensive approach involving improvements to both internal and external drainage systems, together with the construction of flood retention ponds to create an effective and sustainable flood management system.

Apart from the drainage improvement projects, Dr Sim also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof for securing RM2.4 billion in federal funding for the construction of an eight kilometre flood diversion canal.

The canal will divert excess water from the Sarawak River to Sungai Salak during high tides and heavy rainfall, reducing flood risks in Kuching and surrounding areas.

The project is expected to begin from Batu Kawah and will be implemented in phases. A tidal gate will also be constructed at the river mouth to prevent seawater from flowing inland during high tides. Construction is expected to commence next year.

Dr Sim reaffirmed that the Sarawak government will continue working closely with DID Sarawak and relevant agencies to implement long term flood mitigation measures aimed at creating a safer, more resilient and more liveable Batu Kawah for present and future generations.