Urbanisation and climate change have intensified the frequency and severity of flash floods in many cities, and Sarawak is no exception.
In recent years, Kuching and other urban centres in the state have experienced increasingly severe flooding that overwhelms existing drainage infrastructure, damages property, and disrupts daily life.
In response, the Sarawak government under the leadership of Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg has embraced a forward‑looking vision that integrates smart technologies into public infrastructure.
Among the most pressing priorities is the transformation of conventional drainage systems into intelligent, data‑driven networks that can mitigate flood risks, enhance water resource management, and support the broader smart city ambitions of Sarawak.
Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari has consistently articulated a vision of Sarawak as a developed, sustainable, and technologically advanced state by 2030.
He has underscored that meaningful progress requires not only ambitious plans but also decisive implementation.
“Vision without action is noise.
Action without vision is aimless,” he declared at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025, reaffirming Sarawak’s commitment to a future that is both innovative and inclusive through its digital and green transformation agenda.
This philosophy underpins his approach to modernising the state’s drainage infrastructure.
Recognising that Sarawak’s traditional drainage systems are no longer adequate to cope with intense rainfall and rapid urban expansion, the Premier has called for a comprehensive overhaul based on international best practices.
In 2023, following a series of flash floods that affected hundreds of residents, he announced that the state would conduct a comprehensive study of its drainage system, drawing lessons from the Netherlands, a country renowned for its advanced water management despite much of its land lying below sea level.
“The Netherlands is a country that is situated below sea level, but they have a good system that we can probably use in Sarawak,” he stated.
He further emphasised that the new system would be implemented in phases, starting with Kuching before extending to other flood‑prone towns such as Sibu, contingent on available funding.
Beyond studying foreign models, the Premier has actively promoted the adoption of digital technologies across all infrastructure projects.
He has encouraged the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak to leverage the latest technologies, including Agentic AI, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery.
In the water sector specifically, he has championed smart water management systems that harness real‑time data and advanced analytics to reduce water loss, improve efficiency, and enable proactive maintenance.
Smart Drainage System
A smart drainage system represents a fundamental departure from traditional passive infrastructure.
It integrates a network of sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, real‑time monitoring platforms, and automated controls to manage stormwater dynamically.
Sensors deployed at critical points such as drains, culverts, and retention ponds continuously measure water levels, flow rates, and rainfall intensity.
This data is transmitted to a centralised control system where advanced analytics, often powered by artificial intelligence, can predict flooding risks and automatically adjust gates, pumps, or valves to optimise water conveyance and storage.
The potential benefits for Sarawak are substantial.
First and foremost, smart drainage systems enhance flood resilience.
Real‑time monitoring and predictive modelling enable authorities to issue early warnings and take pre‑emptive measures, such as diverting water to temporary storage areas, before flooding occurs.
Second, these systems improve operational efficiency.
By identifying blockages, siltation, or equipment failures remotely, maintenance crews can be dispatched precisely where they are needed, reducing the need for routine manual inspections and lowering long‑term maintenance costs.
Third, the integration of drainage data with other urban systems such as traffic management and emergency response creates a more cohesive and responsive urban environment, a cornerstone of any smart city.
State‑Funded Drainage And Flood Mitigation Initiatives At The Local Level
Transitioning to smart drainage infrastructure requires substantial financial investment, but the long‑term economic and social returns justify the expenditure.
Sarawak has already committed significant resources to modernising its water and drainage networks.
The state government has allocated RM1.1 billion over five (5) years to replace aging water pipes across Sarawak with new pipes equipped with smart monitoring devices.
This initiative will connect the pipeline network to a digital system that stores data on pipe locations and conditions, enabling rapid detection of leaks and other anomalies.
Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari noted that the state will spend approximately RM200 million annually on this replacement programme, with an additional RM100 million to RM200 million required to complete the rollout by 2030.
In addition to water pipe upgrades, the federal government, through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), has approved 44 development projects for Sarawak valued at RM5.995 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
These projects encompass flood mitigation, river conservation, coastal erosion control, and water supply and sewerage systems.
For the year 2026 alone, the initial rolling plan allocation stands at RM195.6 million, representing a 53.17 percent increase over the previous year.
At the local level, the Sarawak government has been funding numerous flood mitigation and drainage improvement initiatives.
In 2022, the state allocated RM14.7 million for various urban drainage and flood mitigation projects, including RM7.5 million specifically for three urban drainage improvement works and a hydrographic survey.
Furthermore, an RM120.5 million flood mitigation project along Sungai Maong Kiri in Kuching, which is intended to address chronic flash flooding in areas such as Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho, is scheduled for tender.
While the project has experienced delays, its eventual implementation will provide critical relief to affected communities.
These investments, while significant, must be viewed in the broader context of Sarawak’s development trajectory.
The state’s 2026 budget totals RM12.91 billion, with RM7.3 billion dedicated to development expenditure, reflecting a strategic commitment to building future‑ready infrastructure.
Moreover, Sarawak receives the highest federal development allocations among Malaysian states, with RM6 billion earmarked for 2026 alone, underscoring the national government’s recognition of Sarawak’s infrastructure needs.
A Blueprint for a Smarter, Safer, More Prosperous Sarawak
The adoption of smart drainage systems is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a strategic imperative for Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a developed and resilient region by 2030.
Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari’s vision, grounded in a clear understanding that effective action must follow bold ideas, provides the necessary political will and strategic direction.
By leveraging advanced technologies, learning from global best practices, and committing substantial financial resources, Sarawak is laying the foundation for urban centres that can withstand the challenges of climate change while supporting sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life for all Sarawakians.
The path ahead requires continued collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities, but the direction set by the state’s leadership offers a promising blueprint for a smarter, safer, and more prosperous Sarawak.
References
Abang Johari announces RM1.1 billion allocation to replace aging water pipes with smart monitoring system. (2024, October 23). Sarawak Tribune. https://www.sarawaktribune.com/rm1-1-billion-to-replace-old-pipelines/
‘Build smarter, faster: Leverage latest tech, adopt Agentic AI’ Premier tells JKR S’wak. (2026, April 10). DayakDaily. https://dayakdaily.com/build-smarter-faster-leverage-latest-tech-adopt-agentic-ai-premier-tells-jkr-swak/
Frequent flash floods in Kuching prompt call for better drainage system. (2026, March 10). Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/03/10/frequent-flash-floods-in-kuching-prompt-call-for-better-drainage-system/
Higher infrastructure funding for East Malaysia under Budget 2026, focus on nationwide connectivity. (2025, October 10). The Edge Malaysia. https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/higher-infrastructure-funding-east-malaysia-under-budget-2026
PETRA allocates RM5.995 billion for 44 development projects in Sarawak. (2025, November 1). TVS. https://www.tvsarawak.my/2025/11/01/petra拨款59-95亿-推行砂44发展项目/
Sarawak to conduct study to improve drainage system Abang Johari. (2023, March 2). Bernama. https://sarawaktok.bernama.com/news.php?id=2169373
Sarawak unveils RM12.91 billion 2026 state budget with focus on agriculture, tourism, carbon levy. (2025, November 24). The Vibes. https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/116002/sarawak-unveils-rm12.91-billion-2026-state-budget-with-focus-on-agriculture-tourism-carbon-levy
‘Vision without action is noise, action without vision is aimless,’ says Premier. (2025, October 22). DayakDaily. https://dayakdaily.com/vision-without-action-is-noise-action-without-vision-is-aimless-says-premier/
21 new hydrological stations, 67 upgraded. (2022, May 25). TVS. https://www.tvsarawak.my/2022/05/25/21-new-hydrological-stations-67-upgraded/
RM1.1 billion allocation for smart pipe replacement over five years. (2024, October 23). Sin Chew Daily. https://sarawak.sinchew.com.my/news/20241023/sarawak/6019465
