KUCHING: A comprehensive long-term plan is being developed to address persistent flooding in the Tarat state constituency, as authorities continue to study the root causes and potential solutions.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the flooding issue in his constituency, including in Kampung Simpok, is complex and requires detailed planning, particularly as ongoing development projects have contributed to the problem.
“One of the causes is the development projects. We are still asking the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to carry out a flood mitigation master plan, but they have not finished the study,” he said.
The Tarat assemblyman stressed that the mitigation plan is a long-term effort and will take time before tangible results can be seen on the ground.
“This is a long-term plan, so it will take some time,” he added.
According to Sagah, three main areas have been identified as flood-prone and are currently under detailed study — Siburan, Sungai Serin and Panchor.
He explained that flooding in Sungai Serin, caused by continuous heavy rains and weak soil structure has a direct impact on Kampung Simpok and nearby villages.
The situation is often worsened when river water levels rise rapidly, affecting settlements and roads.
He said the floods in Siburan, usually affects Kampung Sinjok, was caused by continuous heavy rains that overwhelmed the drainage system.
Key factors included inadequate or damaged drainage systems, rapid development that affected natural water flows, and the location of low-lying areas that were prone to flooding.
Sagah believes that flooding in Panchor, Serian, is primarily caused by continuous heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which leads to the overflow of the Sadong River and its tributaries.
He also highlighted Kampung Tanah Puteh in Gedong area, but within his constituency, as a particularly concerning case, noting that flooding can occur there even without local rainfall.
“In Kampung Tanah Puteh, even if there is no rain, it can still be flooded. The water comes all the way from Panchor, Tebedu and Mongkos and flows downstream, causing the floods in Gedong and surrounding localities,” he explained.
“Kampung Sinjok is under Datuk Dr Jerip Susil’s area while Kampung Tanah Puteh
and the surrounding areas are near my border with the Premier’s constituency, Gedong,” he said.
This upstream-to-downstream water flow underscores the need for a holistic and integrated mitigation strategy that takes into account regional hydrology rather than isolated local fixes.
Residents in Kampung Simpok have long faced recurring floods, which disrupt daily life, damage property and pose safety risks, especially during the monsoon season.
Sagah assured that the state government remains committed to resolving the issue but emphasised that proper planning, technical studies and coordination with relevant agencies are crucial to ensure an effective and sustainable solution.
