MARUDI: Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, visited the site of a major flood incident that stranded more than 10,000 residents of Long Lama and surrounding areas.
The flood was caused by the collapse of a culvert owned by a plantation company, which cut off the main route between Long Lama and Pekan Lapok.
The incident occurred yesterday (Jan 27) morning, with floodwaters rising to a height of two metres, blocking vehicle access.
In his statement on Facebook, Penguang highlighted that several key locations had been affected by the flood, including the pineapple farm road (between Sungai Arang Bridge and Marudi Bridge), the road near Sungai Bok Bridge, the main road near Sungai Teru Bridge, and the main road in the Pelajau area (between the Teru junction and Long Lama).
“I have instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to take immediate action, including marking the sides of the road, clearing drains, and raising the road in areas that are frequently flooded.
“This problem has been ongoing for too long and affects thousands of road users,” he said.
The incident also disrupted the movement of 50 civil servants who were unable to return to their workplaces.
More concerning, an ambulance carrying a patient to Miri Hospital was stranded for over 24 hours.
The Marudi MP then urged the public to be cautious and vigilant throughout the flood season, advising community leaders to stay in communication with the District Office to ensure residents’ safety.
