KOTA BELUD – Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government will start dredging sand from Sg Kota Belud to help floodwaters recede in the district.
He said the move could deepen the river, which, due to upriver sand deposits caused by an earthquake in 2015, has become increasingly shallow and given rise to flash floods.
“The government will identify capable contractors to cooperate with a state government-owned company to dredge sand from the river,” he told reporters after visiting flood victims in the district today.
Also present were Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Shahelmey Yahya, state secretary Datuk Safar Untong and Usukan assemblyman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.
Hajiji said the contractors who secure tenders to deepen Sg Kota Belud will be given permission to export the sand.
Meanwhile, he urged flood victims housed at relief centres to comply with standard operating procedures set to curb the spread of Covid-19. – Bernama, January 18, 2021
