JKR director: Sarawak must strengthen stormwater systems due to unpredictable weather

Borneo Post

08-07-2025

Cassidy (right) speaks to reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Seminar on Improving Flood Control in Stormwater Systems for Sarawak: Current Status, Challenges and Capabilities 2025 at a hotel in Kuching today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (July 8): With climate change causing increasingly unpredictable weather, Sarawak's stormwater management systems must keep improving to meet emerging challenges, said Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris.
'Rain can occur at any time, even during dry seasons. That's why we're constantly dealing with challenges, but we're doing our best to overcome them,' he told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the 'Seminar on Improving Flood Control in Stormwater Systems for Sarawak: Current Status, Challenges and Capabilities 2025' at a hotel here today.
He noted that while stormwater management in the state has improved over the years, ongoing upgrades are still needed, particularly in flood-prone areas like Serian.
'At the moment, there are no major issues. However, during heavy rainfall, we do face some problems in the Serian area. We've already had discussions with the Works Ministry to address this,' he added.
On culvert infrastructure, Cassidy said some rural roads still use older Armco culverts, though many have been replaced under JKR's phased upgrade approach.
When asked to elaborate on the types of culverts being replaced and how the process is being carried out across Sarawak, he said the transition is being carried out progressively, depending on road upgrade needs.
'We still have some culverts known as Armco culverts. These are mostly found on access roads in rural areas.
'As we upgrade roads, we also assess whether those culverts need to be replaced,' he explained.
Although detailed data is not yet available, he assured that replacement works are ongoing and will eventually be completed.
'The Armco culverts can be replaced with a variety of other culvert types, such as box culverts and other designs available on the market. We're very open to exploring various innovative solutions,' he said.
He stressed that raising awareness and using appropriate methods, such as culverts and other water control systems, are key to reducing the risk of flooding and stagnant water in both roads and residential areas.
'Stormwater management is very important because we want to avoid issues such as flooding or stagnant water on roads and in residential areas.
'That's why, during my keynote earlier, I emphasised the importance of managing stormwater through the use of culverts and other available methods.
'The goal is to raise awareness about how crucial stormwater management is,' he added.