Kuching, 2nd September 2025 – The Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) conducted an engagement session with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak (DID) to discuss pressing siltation issues affecting critical riverine transport infrastructure in Sibu Division. The affected facilities include the Sibu Passenger Terminal, R.C. Pontoon Wharf Pulau Babi, R.C. Pontoon Wharf Temple Street, R.C Pontoon Arang Wharf, and Stesen Pam Sungai Loba Lembangan (i.e., DID Flood Mitigation Gate 1 near vicinity Temple Street, and DID Flood Mitigation Gate 2 located near vicinity of Kingwood Hotel) at Batang Rajang, Sibu.
The session chaired by the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board, and has highlighted the operational challenges caused by siltation which pose risks to navigational safety and disrupt the efficiency of riverine transport services in Sibu.
The engagement session starts with the briefing on an overview of the current conditions on the severity of siltation accumulation at the terminals and wharves, which underscored the difficulties for vessels to berth alongside, particularly during low tides, which indirectly impacted the wharf operations. The subsequent presentation from DID Sarawak, which provided valuable technical input by recommending engineering interventions as long-term solutions such as extending the landing facilities toward the river at the deepest point, also informed their ongoing project under the Rancangan Tebatan Banjir Phase 4 that covers the construction, upgrading, and reinforcement of flood mitigation structures near the terminal and wharves. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance flood resilience, protect riverine infrastructure, and ensure safer navigation in areas prone to high sedimentation and fluctuating water levels.
The short-term solutions were also discussed including maintenance dredging to improve the navigation channel and maintain vessel accessibility at the landing facilities, as well as protecting these facilities from damage or being swept away by wave action from passing vessels and during nearby recreational or water sports activities. Additional measures include improving river flow management to reduce sediment deposition and constructing sediment control structures to trap and manage silt before it accumulates in critical areas. DID also highlighted the need for a feasibility study on a long-term monitoring framework using hydrological and sedimentation studies, supported by modern survey technology, to track sedimentation patterns, forecast risks, and develop an action plan for the maintenance. These proactive measures are intended to safeguard the operational efficiency of the terminal and wharves, support river-based economic activities, and strengthen overall river management.
As a closing remark, the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board emphasised the importance of joint efforts and shared responsibility between SRB, DID, and other relevant agencies through active participation in the technical working group to refine, plan, and implement mitigation strategies. He further stressed that this session should not be a one-time meeting but should be held regularly to strengthen efforts in protecting and sustaining river transport facilities as vital infrastructure. It was also highlighted that tackling siltation will not only improve navigation safety but also support socio-economic activities that rely on rivers for transporting goods and passengers, and boost the tourism industry along Batang Rajang. The Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board also requested DID to keep SRB informed of any ongoing planning related to riverine facilities and rivers so that all agencies remain updated.
The engagement session was adjourned at 11.35 a.m
