By JOHN TAMBANAN
INANAM: The RM125 million Likas River Flood Mitigation Project (RTB), encompassing the Kolombong and Inanam areas, stands poised to deliver substantial advantages to hundreds of thousands of residents by significantly reducing flood risk exposure.
Nickho Unui, Community Development Leader (PPM) for Inanam State Constituency, emphasized that this substantial allocation demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the persistent flooding challenges that have long constrained the local community.
According to him, the project implementation commenced in May 2026 and is projected to reach completion by September 29, 2028.
He underscored that this flood mitigation infrastructure project represents a long-awaited development eagerly anticipated by residents of Inanam, Kolombong, and surrounding areas.
Inanam constituency is situated within the Sepanggar Parliamentary constituency, which is presently represented by Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
“As the PPM for N.18 Inanam, I will continue to pay close attention to the progress of this project, particularly matters involving the interests of local residents. To all parties, including political leaders, let us provide space for the implementation of this project while continuing to fulfill our responsibility to offer constructive criticism when there are matters requiring improvement.
In this matter, Nickho rejected the responses from a handful of political leaders who attempted to portray the government as taking no action to address the flooding problem in the area.
“If you wish to criticize, let it be based on facts and do not deny the efforts currently being implemented.
“We must be fair in our assessment. In reality, allocations have been approved and projects are being executed,” he said.
Therefore, Nickho stated that it is inaccurate to suggest that the government has made no effort to resolve the flooding issue in the area.
“We do not reject any party’s democratic right to criticize delays or weaknesses in project implementation.
“In fact, constructive feedback is essential to ensure that every development project truly achieves its objectives.
“Do not deny the efforts being undertaken for the people’s benefit simply because of political differences.
“We may have differing views, but on matters of public safety and welfare, we should share the same goal,” he said.
Nevertheless, Nickho acknowledged that the project implementation faces several significant challenges.
He stated that these include the process of relocating and moving residences situated along the river corridor as well as areas identified for the construction of flood retention reservoirs.
He noted that this situation requires special consideration because certain areas involved are currently inhabited by local residents.
“I understand that the evacuation of specific areas may be necessary to enable construction work to be carried out safely and smoothly.
“However, the importance of the project cannot be used as justification for disregarding the welfare of affected families,” he said.
In this regard, Nickho urged the relevant ministries, funding providers, implementing agencies, and local authorities to give serious attention to the resettlement needs of residents.
“Among the matters that deserve consideration are relocation assistance, provision of suitable alternative housing, assessment of compensation eligibility based on legal provisions, and coordination of support for families in need,” he said.
Nickho stated that the project should be implemented through transparent, fair, and humanitarian consultation.
“We want to resolve the flooding problem, but we must ensure that efforts to protect thousands of residents from flood threats do not result in other families losing their homes without reasonable solutions.
“I hope this issue can be resolved promptly so that project implementation is not further delayed and the welfare of residents can be maintained,” he said.
According to Nickho, the effort to realise the flood mitigation project has been pursued since 2023 together with the then Inanam State Assemblyman, Datuk Peto Galim.
“In 2023, I myself met with the then Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Haji Akmal Nasrullah Bin Mohd Nasir, alongside the former Inanam State Assemblyman, Datuk Peto Galim, who was responsible for water resource matters at that time.
“The meeting aimed to accelerate the implementation of the project that had been previously proposed, particularly involving the Likas River, Inanam, Kolombong, and Menggatal.
“Following our efforts and discussions with the government, the project subsequently received approval in 2024.
“In the initial phase, project implementation was expected to commence in early 2025. However, several technical issues caused the implementation schedule to experience delays.
“Thankfully, in May 2026, the project finally commenced in full.
Nickho welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement in October 2025 regarding an additional allocation of RM39 million for Phase 2 of the Flood Mitigation Project, which encompasses the Rampayan River extending to the Muara Numbak area.
“Taking into account both allocations announced, the total funding reaches RM164 million for flood mitigation efforts in the Sepanggar region.
“I anticipate that the implementation of both projects will deliver substantial benefits to residents, particularly in Pekan Inanam, Kampung Inanam Laut, Kampung Cenderakasih, the Kolombong area, Taman Wijaya Park, Kampung Rampayan, and surrounding neighborhoods,” he stated.
Nickho stated that although flood barrier infrastructure development is being implemented, it does not necessarily resolve all flooding incidents.
“For me, this development represents the result of continuous efforts by various parties with the same objective, which is to ensure that the flooding problem that has long burdened residents can be addressed more effectively,” he said.
In this regard, Nickho expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for the Federal Government’s commitment in allocating funds for the flood mitigation project that is greatly needed by the community, particularly in the Sepanggar Parliamentary constituency.
“I also extend my appreciation to Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Member of Parliament for Sepanggar, for his support and efforts in bringing the development needs of the Sepanggar Parliamentary constituency to the attention of the government.
“Indeed, development for the people requires sustained effort, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
“As the PPM for N.18 Inanam, I will continue to pay close attention to the progress of this project, particularly matters involving the interests of local residents. To all parties, including political leaders, let us provide space for the implementation of this project while continuing to fulfill our responsibility to offer constructive criticism when there are matters requiring improvement.
“The people do not need prolonged political disputes about who has spoken the most about flooding. The people need action, solutions, and assurance that their safety and welfare remain the priority.
“Finally, I hope both of these flood mitigation projects can be completed successfully and provide lasting benefits to the current generation as well as future generations.
“Appreciate the government’s efforts, correct implementation weaknesses, and never neglect the welfare of the people. True development is not merely about building infrastructure, but ensuring that the people are also protected,” he added.
Nickho Unui (top right), and Likas RTB’s RM125 million project’s plan (left).
