Timber, debris in rivers making Sarawak flood situation worse

LARGE pieces of timber and other debris in rivers and canals around Sarawak are making the situation worse for flood hit rural folks.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak Youth Chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who is the state assemblyman for Balai Ringin, said the timber and debris are already choking Sungai Krangan and tributaries in his constituency.

He has since called on the State Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to curb excessive logging along riverbanks in an effort to ease the situation.

He said that in his constituency, the past week of torrential rain and floods had caused tonnes of timber and debris to be swept into rivers and canals.

"These timber and debris are from logging zones located near the rivers ... the blatant cutting of trees and clearing of forests near riverbanks have to be stopped.

"Logging operators must be prevented from carrying out such damaging activities along riverbanks.

"The timber and debris washed into rivers are choking the waterways and preventing local riverine folks from fishing for their daily food and also disrupting river travels as longboats and speedboats cannot navigate.

"The situation near water treatment plants is also polluting water intake for treated water supply as it is channeled into urban areas too," he said.

Snowdan said the NREB must act sternly against the timber companies that cause environmental damages.

He urged the NREB enforcement teams to go to the ground and carry out more stringent inspections and enforcement.

Last week torrential rains caused widespread floods and landslides in many Sarawak districts. – February 5, 2025