Malaysia to complete first phase of Kuching project by 2012

The Malaysian Government is planning to complete the first phase of the MYR4bn ($952m) Kuching sewerage project by the end of 2012.

The project will enable domestic and industrial wastes within the city of Kuching to be treated before being released into the Sungei Sarawak River, reports Bernama.

The project will improve the water quality index of Sungei Sarawak River as part of the river rehabilitation programme.

Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Sarawak Chief Minister, told attendees at the World Rivers Day 2011 that because of the rehabilitation programme, the water quality index of the river can upgraded from level three clean status to level two.

Sungei Sarawak is one of the four river basins selected by the government, under the integrated river basin management programme to reduce pollution and floods in the river basin.