Kuala lumpur: Six flood mitigation projects in Sabah that have surpassed 90 percent physical progress are anticipated to conclude in stages from this month until December, as reported to the Dewan Negara. Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, outlined the projects, including the Rampayan River Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) in Menggatal and the Padas River RTB in Tenom, among others.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these projects are part of 15 flood mitigation initiatives and associated studies undertaken by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) via the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), with an estimated total cost of RM1.49 billion. Out of these, four projects are at the pre-implementation stage, ten are underway, and one study is in the post-implementation phase.

Abdul Rahman highlighted ongoing projects, such as the Likas River RTB and Damai River RTB in Kota Kinabalu, which are progressing according to schedule. Pre-implementation projects include the Tawau River RTB Phase 1A and the Tangulan River RTB in Tuaran. The prioritization of projects in high-risk areas is guided by the Flood Mitigation Master Plan Study, taking into account factors such as recurring flood incidents and population density.

Identified high-risk areas include Kota Kinabalu, Menggatal, and Putatan, among others. Abdul Rahman emphasized PETRA's commitment to addressing flood mitigation in phases, contingent on risk assessments, funding, and technical needs, to mitigate flood impacts and safeguard public welfare.

In response to a supplementary query from Senator Datuk Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian, Abdul Rahman noted that the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB) Phase 3 in Sabah, with a budget of RM142 million, has reached 24 percent completion and is slated for completion by July 2029. He added that JPS is also executing short-term strategies, including river rehabilitation, to enhance water flow pending the completion of ongoing flood mitigation projects.