KOTA KINABALU – There is no quick fix to Sabah’s flood issues, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, adding that they can only be minimised while waiting for the Likas Barrage to be completed.
He also said that the state government is pushing for a more effective flood forecasting system that can give people more time to prepare or evacuate, potentially saving lives and property.
After several areas of Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding districts were hit by floods on Friday, Jeffrey said he is getting to the bottom of the cause to avoid such an incident in the future.
“I have requested a full report, a briefing from the Drainage and Irrigation Department director and (will find out) the drainage conditions in flood-prone areas and how the department could minimise the occurrences of future floods.
“Unfortunately, there is no quick solution to the floods at the moment. We can only find ways to minimise it while we work towards building the Likas Barrage.
“High tide prevents water from flowing into the sea, resulting in inland flooding, as happened on Friday,” he said in a statement today.
The Likas Barrage is part of the Flood Mitigation Masterplan for Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Putatan and could cost up to RM800 million.
Kitingan said he is concerned about the drainage system, especially within the city’s limits.
“Sometimes, the drainage is poorly maintained, and there is too much rubbish thrown into the drains.
“I cannot emphasise enough how important it is that we all avoid this bad habit of throwing trash down the drain. At the same time, the director must ensure that the department or those contracted to clean the drains carry out their jobs properly.”
Kitingan, the Sabah Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, advised the public to be more vigilant because the weather is unpredictable and extreme rainfall is occurring more frequently.
The flood on Friday occurred following a heavy downpour that lasted more than eight hours and coincided with high tide. – The Vibes, June 20, 2021
