INANAM: The RM125 million Likas River Flood Mitigation Project, covering Kolombong and Inanam, is expected to reduce flood risks for residents in the affected areas, said Inanam Community Development Leader (PPM) Nickho Unui.
He said the allocation reflected the Government’s commitment to addressing persistent flooding that had long affected local communities.
According to Nickho, work began in May 2026 and the project is scheduled for completion on Sept 29, 2028.
“This flood mitigation infrastructure project represents a long-awaited development eagerly anticipated by residents of Inanam, Kolombong and surrounding areas.
“As Community Development Leader (PPM) for the Inanam State constituency, I wholeheartedly welcome this project’s progress and extend my appreciation to the Federal Government for its commitment to delivering a comprehensive, long-term solution to recurring floods that have disrupted residents’ livelihoods, homes and economic activities,” he said in a statement, recently.
Nickho rejected claims by some political leaders that the Government had done nothing to address flooding in the area.
“If you wish to criticise, 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 implemented,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the project faced several challenges, including the relocation of homes along the river corridor and in areas identified for flood retention reservoirs.
He said the matter required careful consideration as some of the affected areas were 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.
Nickho urged the relevant ministries, funding agencies, implementing bodies and local authorities to give serious consideration to residents’ resettlement needs.
He said these included relocation assistance, suitable alternative housing, assessment of compensation eligibility under the law and coordinated support for families in need.
Nickho stressed that the project should be implemented through transparent, fair and humane 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.
Nickho said efforts to realise the project had begun in 2023, when he met then Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir alongside former Inanam assemblyman Datuk Peto Galim.
He said the meeting aimed to expedite the previously proposed project involving the Likas River and areas in Inanam, Kolombong and Menggatal.
Following discussions with the Government, the project was approved in 2024, with implementation initially expected to begin in early 2025.
However, technical issues delayed the schedule, and work finally began in May 2026, he said.
Nickho also welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement in October 2025 of an additional RM39 million for Phase Two of the flood mitigation project covering the Rampayan River to Muara Numbak.
With both allocations, he said total funding for flood mitigation in the Sepanggar area amounted to RM164 million.
He expected the projects to benefit residents in Pekan Inanam, Kampung Inanam Laut, Kampung Cenderakasih, Kolombong, Taman Wijaya Park, Kampung Rampayan and surrounding areas.
Nickho acknowledged that flood mitigation infrastructure might not eliminate every flooding incident, but said the projects represented continued efforts to address a longstanding problem.
He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the Federal Government’s funding commitment and Sepanggar MP Datuk Mustapha Sakmud for helping bring the constituency’s development needs to the Government’s attention.
As PPM for N.18 Inanam, Nickho said he would continue monitoring the project, particularly matters affecting local residents.
He also urged political leaders to allow the project to proceed while continuing to provide constructive criticism where improvements were needed.
“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 flood mitigation projects can be completed successfully and provide lasting benefits to current and future generations,” he said.
