Sarawak needs Putrajaya’s help with flood mitigation funds, says SUPP leader

A SENIOR politician from the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) said the state government does not have the money needed to tackle the surging flood woes in Kuching and other parts of Sarawak.

SUPP deputy secretary-general Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said that in populated residential estates, a flood mitigation project can cost hundreds of millions of ringgit (in each of these residential areas).

Speaking to reporters in Kuching, he said that a recent study in a residential estate called Kg Kuap (in the outskirts of Kuching) showed that at least RM400 million is needed to tackle the flood woes there.

“Kg Kuap is one of the flood-prone zones and a recent study showed we need to spend at least RM400 million for a master plan to mitigate the floods there.

“Only one flooded zone, but that much money is already needed and there are so many other zones facing flood woes.

“Floods are increasing, not just in Kuching, but other parts of Sarawak and the state government doesn’t have the billions needed to solve these floods problems.

“We need federal government help,” he said.

Lo, who is assemblyman for Batu Kitang in Kuching, wants Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chien Jen to seek the billions needed from Putrajaya.

He said Chong had been criticising the state government’s failure to deal with the floods but he had not sourced for the required funds from Putrajaya.

SUPP is a component party of the state ruling coalition of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Today is the third day Kuching has been hit by widespread flash floods following continuous rain, causing surges in evacuations in populated localities as roads and housing estates are inundated.

The number of flood victims evacuated had reached the 1,500 mark as of yesterday and some 62 flood shelters have been opened in Kuching and Serian.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department have dispatched more personnel in rescue boats to numerous different localities that are being overwhelmed by floods. – The Vibes, March 4, 2024