SITE HANDOVER FOR THE PROPOSED EXCAVATION WORKS ADJACENT TO THE EXISTING OLD CONCRETE JETTY AT SUNGAI APONG, KUCHING DIVISION

KUCHING, 13th October 2026 – The Minister for Transport Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, witnessed the site handover between the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and Syarikat Alau Jaya for the proposed excavation works adjacent to the existing old concrete jetty at Sungai Apong, Kuching Division. The event was attended by the Mayor of Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Dato Wee Hong Seng, the Controller of SRB, Lt. Col. Ding Tiew Wong (Bersara), representatives of Persatuan Kotak Tangkap Ikan Sungai Apong, Kuching, and officials from MOTS and SRB.

The project was requested by Persatuan Kotak Tangkap Ikan Sungai Apong, Kuching on 5th August 2026. Following a site inspection on 19th August 2026, the Minister directed SRB to expedite the removal of accumulated sediment and a vessel wreck obstructing river access. 

The proposed excavation works cover approximately 65 meters in length, 10 meters in width and 2 meters in depth, with an estimated volume of 1,300 m³. The works aim to improve river accessibility and navigational safety by removing accumulated sediment and a wooden fishing boat wreck at Sungai Apong.

Ten (10) UPKJ registered contractors were invited to submit quotations on 23th September 2026. The project was awarded to Syarikat Alau Jaya on 9th October 2026. The project is scheduled to be completed within one month from the date of site handover. 

The proposed works have obtained comments from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak on 7th October 2026, confirming that the works are not prescribed activities under the Natural Resources and Environment (Prescribed Activities) Order, 1994. The implementation shall remain subject to compliance with all applicable safety, river cleanliness and environmental requirements imposed by the relevant authorities.

Throughout the implementation period, SRB continuously monitors the excavation works with the contractor to ensure safe, systematic and timely completion.

This initiative reflects the Sarawak Government’s continued commitment to maintaining river accessibility, enhancing navigational safety and addressing the needs of river users and the riverine community.