KUCHING, March 18: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) should have issued an early alert to warn the public of the heavy downpours and thunderstorms as the sudden flash floods have wreaked havoc across the city this morning.
In making this call, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said that a check on the MetMalaysia website showed that the weather warning was only issued at 6.30am.
“It should have been earlier so that people can be prepared for any eventuality,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Yii informed that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak team would continue to be on the ground to monitor and help those affected by the flash floods.
“We have also recorded all the affected areas and will make an official report to the local councils and Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak,” he added.
To prevent the occurrence of flash flooding, he emphasised that there has to be constant and periodic cleaning of the drainage system, especially during the monsoon season, to ensure the proper and effective outflow of water.
“Constant actions are required, especially in flood-prone areas as every time the water rises, many of these drains get stuck with debris and rubbish (that would limit its capacity),” he said.
For the long-term plan, Dr Yii added that the flood mitigation plan could not be delayed anymore, and this is something which he has been pushing in Parliament.
“We will try to help as many families, especially the poor, who are affected by the floods in Bandar Kuching constituency,” he said. — DayakDaily
