THE Government is rolling out several key infrastructure projects in Beaufort, Sabah, to address long-standing issues of flooding and water supply under the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Plan for Sungai Padas.
Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the IRBM plan, prepared in 2018 by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), serves as a comprehensive framework for managing river basins in an integrated manner — covering clean water supply, water quality, flood risk reduction and environmental preservation.
“For clean water supply, two major projects are being implemented,” the Minister said in a written reply to Datuk Hajah Siti Aminah binti Aching [Beaufort] in Parliament today.
The first is the upgrading of the intake at the Beaufort 2 Water Treatment Plant, including related works, at a cost of RM29.93 million. The project began on 4 August 2025 and is expected to be completed by 4 February 2027.
The second involves replacing generators at the intake and Beaufort 1 Water Treatment Plant, with an estimated cost of RM2 million. Work is scheduled to begin at the end of December 2025 and will take about 18 months to complete.
The upgrading of the intake at the Beaufort 2 Water Treatment Plant and replacing generators at the intake and at Beaufort 1 Water Treatment Plant forms two present projects being worked on
On flood mitigation, the Ministry through JPS is implementing the Sungai Padas Flood Mitigation Scheme (RTB), which commenced in November 2024 and has achieved 51.4 per cent physical progress to date, in line with schedule.
“The project is expected to provide flood protection for more than 2,000 residents and an area covering 1,000 hectares,” Almal said.
Additionally, under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), the government has approved the preparation of the Eco-Friendly Drainage Master Plan (PISMA) for the towns of Beaufort and Sipitang.
The Minister noted that during its 41st meeting on 17 April 2023, the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) agreed that PISMA would serve as the principal reference for state governments, local authorities, developers and related agencies.
Guided by the Manual Saliran Mesra Alam (MSMA), PISMA aims to ensure more systematic, sustainable and well-planned development to reduce flash flood risks and environmental pollution. - November 6, 2025
