BINTULU: Following recent heavy rainfall, several areas along Sungai Plan have been affected by flooding, with water levels rising to about three feet in some areas.
Bintulu Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said immediate action must be taken to address the recurring problem, including deepening and clearing the Sungai Plan channel to restore the drainage system’s original capacity.
He said river dredging works using excavators must be carried out urgently and comprehensively to enhance flood-control capability in the affected areas.
“As the Sungai Plan area falls under the jurisdiction of several agencies, I have directed the Department of Drainage and Irrigation, Land and Survey Department, Bintulu Development Authority and Sarawak Housing Development Corporation to form a cross-departmental task force,” he said.
He said this during a recent visit to several areas identified as flood “red zones”, together with the relevant authorities, to assess the current situation.
Tiong, who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said one agency would be appointed as the lead coordinator to oversee the entire effort, including identifying actual locations and causes of flow obstructions, clarifying river reserve boundaries, defining the roles of each agency and formulating technical approaches and implementation plans for the dredging works.
He stressed that any factories or warehouses found encroaching on drainage or river reserves must be vacated immediately.
“Enforcement action will be taken without compromise against any party that fails to cooperate. The Land and Survey Department will conduct site inspections and take action in accordance with legal provisions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bintulu Development Authority has taken early action by instructing contractors to begin cleaning and clearing drainage channels, with works currently in progress.
The works are expected to take about three weeks to complete, subject to current weather conditions.
Tiong added that he would continue to monitor progress to ensure smooth implementation, improve drainage efficiency and reduce the risk of flash floods that could affect residents.
