Response to Written Question PT10

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YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH SAFIAH BINTI SHEIKH HAJI ABD SALAM

QUESTION:

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam asks the MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT to state if the Ministry has a comprehensive mitigation plan and prediction tools to reduce the risk, impact, and enhance preparedness to address flood problems. This may occur due to the effects or impacts of climate change that cannot be controlled, resulting in rising water levels in low-lying areas that have never experienced flooding.

YANG BERHORMAT MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT

ANSWER:

Overall, the Ministry of Development through the Department of Drainage and Sewerage has three methods to plan for reducing flood risk and impact nationwide, namely: detailed studies, real-time data, and flood modelling.

These methods provide comprehensive information to the Department of Drainage and Sewerage to understand the causes and mechanisms of flood occurrences, to identify and prioritize mitigation measures in areas identified as high-risk. These mitigation measures have been included in the flood mitigation plans under the 11th National Development Plan (RKN11) and projects planned under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN12).

METHOD 1: DETAILED STUDIES

One of the main initiatives under RKN12 is “The Brunei Darussalam Drainage Master Plan Study and Floodplain Management Study for Sungai Belait and Temburong,” scheduled to be offered on March 19, 2025, via Request for Quotation (RFQ). This comprehensive study aims to develop a sustainable drainage management plan to address flood issues and excessive rainwater overflow, taking into account the impacts of climate change and land use changes.

The scope of this study includes revising the existing master plan, updating the flood-prone area database, and proposing flood management solutions through necessary drainage infrastructure enhancements and reassessing the current drainage system. Additionally, this study focuses on the floodplain management for Sungai Belait and Temburong through flood risk assessment in floodplain areas and proposing structural (physical) and non-structural (non-physical) flood mitigation solutions.

Aside from this newer study, a previous study conducted is the “Integrated Catchment Management Plan Study for Belait District” completed in 2016. This study identified flood-prone areas through data collection and flood modelling. The results of this study enabled mitigation measures to have been implemented under RKN11, such as the “Upgrading of Main River and Tributaries at Kampong Lumut and Seria Municipality Area Project.” Other recommendations from the study have been incorporated into RKN12, including:

• Construction of a flood prevention scheme with a pumping station at the estuary of Jalan Maulana River, Kuala Belait;

• Construction of a main drainage leading to a pumping station at Kampung Sungai Bera, Seria;

• Improvement of drainage works in Belait District Phase 1; and

• Construction of a drainage pumping station at Lot F17, Seria.

In addition to these projects, the Ministry of Development through the Department of Drainage and Sewerage also uses the annual budget allocation to enhance existing drainage systems.

Improvements and regular maintenance through term contracts are actively carried out based on previous study findings, ensuring the drainage system functions optimally and planned mitigation measures are effective. The Government's continuous efforts have shown positive impacts by reducing flood-prone areas from 328 square kilometers in 2020 to 285 square kilometers in 2024.

METHOD 2: REAL-TIME DATA

In terms of prediction tools and early warning systems, the Department of Drainage and Sewerage has installed 32 rain gauge stations across the country that record rain data in real-time. This data helps assess rainfall patterns and detect increasing rain trends which may increase flood risks in certain areas.

Additionally, river water levels in critical areas are monitored in real-time using Internet of Things (IoT) devices at strategic locations like Sungai Kedayan and Sungai Damuan. This initiative will be gradually expanded. For example, more water level sensors will be installed through the "Drainage Data Management Support System Project Phase 1 under the Next Generation Weather Analysis, Forecast and Warning Integrated System" initiative managed by the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department.

Through collaboration with the Meteorological Department, the Department of Drainage and Sewerage has continuous access to the latest weather forecasts to identify potential heavy rainfall or storms that may cause flooding. Furthermore, flood occurrence statistics collected by the Public Works Department are used to identify trends and the frequency of floods in the affected areas, allowing for more proactive mitigation planning.

METHOD 3: FLOOD MODELLING

In collaboration with local consultants, high-risk areas that frequently experience flooding have been identified by the Department of Drainage and Sewerage through flood-prone area mapping. Through this mapping, areas that frequently flood have been identified. Meanwhile, modelling allows projections to be made based on factors such as rainfall intensity, drainage system capacity, and rising water levels in catchment areas. This approach aligns with international best practices in addressing flood challenges, where the latest technology and strategic and holistic mitigation plans are employed to protect at-risk areas and ensure public well-being.

Through the three methods mentioned above, high-risk areas identified and prioritized in upcoming flood mitigation planning include:

District	Kampung
Brunei-Muara	Kampung Anggerek Desa
	Kampung Kapok
	Pantai Serasa
	Kampung Subok
	Mukim Gadong
Tutong	Kampung Sengkarai
	Kampung Bakiau
	Mukim Rambai
Temburong	Kampung Bukit Beruang
	Mukim Bangar
	Mukim Bokok
	Mukim Labu
	Mukim Batu Apoi
Belait	Kampung Sungai Teraban
	Mukim Labi
	Mukim Bukit Sawat
	Mukim Sukang

In conclusion, this comprehensive approach, the use of advanced prediction tools, and phased implementation of mitigation projects are expected to enhance the country's preparedness level in reducing flood risks and impacts for public safety and property protection.