The government is spending RM247 million for the first phase of Sibu flood mitigation programme, Environment and Local Government Minister Wong Soon Koh said.

The money included RM30 million to be given under the 10th Malaysia Plan, he said.

"This first phase, costing RM217 million, which is ongoing, is expected to be completed by 2012," he told media in Sibu today.

He said the government had identified five main bottleneck areas along the Rajang River which it would dredge to improve water flow besides doing five major drainage works.

Wong had earlier met Sarawak DAP chairperson Wong Ho Leng, who is also Sibu MP, at the party's office in Sibu.

"Our intention is to see for ourselves the DAP's proposal to solve the flood problems.

"He claimed he had the report prepared by American and Chinese experts," he said.

Wong said however that he was very disappointed that the DAP leader had not only failed to produce the report but also lectured them politically.

Wong said the opposition leader should from now on refrain from exploiting the flood issues.

- Bernama