KUCHING (Sept 8): Flood-mitigation works in Batu Kawa are progressing rapidly, with several projects being implemented in phases, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said he intends to invite members of the media to visit the project sites once the haze situation improves, to provide a clearer understanding of the works.

“I’d rather bring you guys down there because that one has different phases. If I don’t bring you, then it’s quite hard to explain,” he said in response to a question on the latest progress of the flood-mitigation projects.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Asia Medical Library Seminar (AMLiS) 2026 at Borneo Cultures Museum here on Tuesday.

“Once you understand Batu Kawa, then you understand about detention ponds, you understand about pumping out water and so on,” he said.

On Aug 2, Dr Sim said the RM36.6 million Phase 2 flood-mitigation project at Taman Desa Wira was 11 per cent ahead of schedule and targeted for completion by July 2027.

The project includes an 11,300-square-metre detention pond capable of holding 30,000 cubic metres of stormwater, a pump house, drainage upgrades and a one-kilometre flood-protection wall.

The detention pond is one of four planned under the wider Batu Kawa flood-mitigation scheme. Together with the RM14.5 million Phase 1 project at Taman Desa Wira, investment across the two phases exceeds RM51.1 million.