JEPAK state assemblyman, Iskandar Turkee, has called for immediate and long-term measures to address Bintulu’s recurring floods and its rapidly growing student population, warning that both issues have reached critical levels.
He said the major flood that struck Bintulu on January 29, should serve as a turning point for government action.
“The 2025 flood left Bintulu residents traumatised and caused extensive losses to homes and property. A comprehensive mitigation plan is urgently needed to ensure such a disaster does not happen again,” he said, speaking during the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 on Wednesday.
He outlined several short-term measures, including upgrading old drains in villages and housing areas to monsoon drains, consistent annual maintenance, installing flood gauges in flood-prone locations, and introducing automated siren warning systems.
“Modern flood sirens and real-time river-level monitoring must be implemented to strengthen early warning capabilities. Monsoon pumps should be installed to prevent water overflow from entering residential areas,” he added.
He also urged the state to widen, deepen, and improve Sungai Sebiew and Kuala Batang Kemena under the 13th Malaysia Plan to provide long-term solutions.
“These river-improvement works must be carried out without delay, supported by regular maintenance, so we can finally overcome the longstanding flood problem,” he said.
“All new housing developments should also be required to include flood-retention ponds, which can be designed as community recreational spaces.”
Furthermore, Iskandar said Bintulu is struggling to cope with a student population of nearly 34,000, with many schools now overcrowded and operating in two sessions.
“The number of classrooms is simply not enough to accommodate the rising student population,” he lamented. “Bintulu urgently needs new schools to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for our children.”
Additionally, he cited the Sarawak Teachers Union’s long-standing concern over classroom capacity, noting that rapid population growth has outpaced school infrastructure.
“We must plan ahead. More schools are needed to meet classroom spacing guidelines and to reduce congestion in existing facilities,” he concluded.
