KOTA KINABALU – Work on the Pan Borneo Highway, poorly planned development, and indiscriminate littering have been blamed as the causes of the rampant flash floods in Sabah’s west coast.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said a state-appointed special action committee will meet on Friday to address the issue holistically.
“There is no denying that the Pan Borneo Highway has contributed to flooding in some areas in Sabah.
“But there are also other factors, such as indiscriminate littering in waterways. This is a mindset problem. We think of drains as a place to throw rubbish.
“Another factor is, while development has expanded along with the population, our amenities are not planned properly.”
Bung Moktar was replying to an additional question by Datuk Junz Wong (Tg Aru-Warisan) on the probable causes of flooding in many west coast districts.
The floods on September 3, 15 and 20 resulted in many areas of Penampang, Putatan and Kota Kinabalu sustaining massive damage.
At least five people were killed, while properties in Sugud, Penampang, and Kinarut, Papar, were ruined.
Bung Moktar earlier said no fines have been imposed on road maintenance concessionaires for non-compliance in relation to works linked to the floods.
He said the state Public Works Department and road concessionaires have carried out maintenance according to schedule.
Other efforts, including the cleaning up of drains, have been intensified following requests from residents, he said. – The Vibes, September 22, 2021
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