By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 2: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for local councils and the Sarawak government to give a full account to victims affected by flash floods today.
Chong, who is also Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, said the incident had occurred frequently of late, especially after the completion of the 7th Mile Flyover project and the commencement of the new housing project across the Penrissen Road nearby.
He also said that the Minister of Public Health, Local Government, and Housing must be held accountable for the increasing frequency and severity of flash floods in Kuching.
According to Chong, it is not only the Councils which are responsible for building plans and drainage systems in the city that are under the responsibility of the Ministry but also the State’s Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
“I, therefore, call upon Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the Minister of Public Health, Local Government, and Housing, to give a full public and detailed report on the cause of the flash flood problem in the 7th Mile Bazaar, Arang Road, Desa Wira Batu Kawah, Hua Joo Park and other flash-flood affected areas in Kuching,” he said in a statement today.
“I also call upon the Ministry to pay compensation to the affected victims and businesses for the occurrence of flash floods,” he said.
Earlier today, when meeting with shop owners at 7th Mile Bazaar affected by the flash flood, Chong said they expressed frustration and exasperation.
According to him, the flash floods caused losses to the shop owners.
“The first occurrence was on Feb 16, 2,024, and the second was this morning,” he said. — DayakDaily
