KUCHING: Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) will conduct a study to address the recurring flooding problem at Sungai Batu here, particularly the phenomenon known as “termenung” or stagnant flooding.
DBKU Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman said the study will be initiated following feedback from community leaders during his visit to the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Surau Ar Rahman, Kampung Sungai Batu on Thursday.
He said the findings would be brought to the state government to enable a joint study involving relevant agencies, including the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), with the aims of reducing flood risks and easing the burden on affected residents.
“God-willing, we will work together with DID and other agencies to discuss and address this issue.
“I appreciate the community leadership for highlighting practical, on-the-ground concerns that can be acted upon,” he said when met by reporters after the visit as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
During the visit, Hilmy also expressed DBKU’s concern for the welfare of flood victims by engaging directly with evacuees and receiving briefings from security personnel to better understand the challenges faced and identify immediate solutions.
A total of 18 personnel from various agencies – including the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM), the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) through the Sarawak State Health Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Sarawak, RELA Sarawak, and the Kampung Sungai Batu Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) – have been deployed to ensure the safety, health, and basic needs of the evacuees are well taken care of.
Meanwhile, Hilmy said an additional PPS at Sungai Lumut would be opened if the PPS at Surau Ar Rahman reaches full capacity.
The Sungai Lumut centre is able to accommodate more than 100 flood victims.
“The district office would issue further instructions should there be a need to relocate evacuees, noting that if conditions continue to remain unstable, all evacuees at PPS Surau Ar Rahman may be moved to PPS Sungai Lumut, subject to the district office’s decision,” he said.
Advising residents in the affected area to remain vigilant, Hilmy urged them to comply promptly with evacuation instructions issued by authorities on the ground.
He also stressed that DBKU is always committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of city residents remain a top priority, particularly during emergency situations.
