KUCHING, Jan 8: Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin yesterday (Jan 7) conducted a work visit to the Siniawan Telemetry Station in Bau, to inspect the operation and function of the station.
According to Lee, the telemetry station would act as a warning system for the folks in Siniawan area and emit siren sounds when the water level of the nearby river reaches a dangerous level, which is likely to cause flood.
“Siniawan is the first area to be hit by flood when it rains continuously for several days in Kuching because of its geographical location which is situated next to the Sungai Sarawak Kanan.
“With a total of 22 units of telemetry station operating daily in the catchment areas of Sarawak River, I would like to ensure that all telemetry station units are functioning properly, especially during the rainy season at the beginning and at the end of the year,” he said in a press statement today.
Lee also instructed the Sarawak River Board (SRB) to organise more awareness programmes and campaigns for the public, especially on the functionality of the telemetry station for those living nearby the station.
“The purpose of this awareness programme is to educate and provide the necessary guidance to the locals on the action that needs to be taken if the alarm warning system sounds,” he said.
He pointed out that all of telemetry stations operate using solar energy and all stations have been operating and functioning well since their inception 23-years ago.
“These telemetry stations are proposed to be upgraded to function more effectively and efficiently in controlling the risk of flood in the future,” he added.
During the visit, Lee also took the opportunity to meet with some of the locals and explained to them the function of the telemetry station’s alarm, besides advising them to be vigilant of the warning, including to always be prepared to move to a safer place before the floods occur. — DayakDaily
