KUCHING, Feb 16: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen is calling on the State government and local authorities to intensify efforts to resolve or mitigate the recurring flash flood issues.
In a statement today, Chong highlighted the heavy rainfall last night and early this morning, claiming that Kuching city’s drainage system was inadequate.
He claimed that the rainfall resulted in flash floods at various locations in the city, causing significant inconvenience to motorists and residents.
“Many houses also experienced rising water levels, with some unfortunate residents witnessing water entering their homes,” he lamented.
Chong listed several badly affected areas including 8th to 9th Mile Penrissen Road, 7th Mile, Haji Baki area, Semaba, Kampong Bumbok, Matang, Green Road, Jalan Mendu, Jalan Sekama, Hua Joo Park, Jalan Tun Haji Openg (Sarawak General Hospital), Jalan Jamboree Stakan, Kampong Sinar Budi, Desa Wira, and Rantau Panjang.
As the Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chief, Chong emphasised that had the heavy rainfall persisted for another two to three hours, it could have resulted in a disaster.
He advocated for regular clearing of clogged drains as the simplest and least costly method to mitigate flash floods, yet lamented its irregular execution.
“Other measures like constructing more water discharge outlets or enlarging the present water discharge outlets may be more costly but not impossible,” he added.
He urged the Sarawak government to prioritise improving the drainage system in Kuching city, emphasising the State’s ample resources in terms of manpower and finances. — DayakDaily
