Drainage improvements underway in Sibu following Kpg Jeriah floods

SIBU (Jan 9): The flooding in low-lying areas of Kampung Jeriah here was mainly due to continuous heavy rainfall combined with existing drainage limitations, said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley.

He explained that the prolonged rain caused water levels to rise faster than the drainage system could discharge, especially in low-lying areas.

“The council will continue to monitor the situation and assess necessary improvement works to mitigate future flooding,” he told The Borneo Post when asked about the situation in Kampung Jeriah.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Force (APM) Sibu District evacuated one family of six to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Kampung Jeriah Hall on Friday to ensure their safety and welfare.

Touching on the drainage issue in Kampung Bahagia Jaya, Izkandar noted that some culverts or crossovers constructed by house owners were poorly built.

“Some are already blocked, and YB (Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee) has already proposed SMC and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to look into this, and identify all the critical areas.

“Instead of building culverts, we are proposing constructing crossovers for all the critical areas in Kampung Bahagia Jaya depending on the budget approval later on – it is up to YB to propose to Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg),” he said.

As for Kampung Jeriah, he revealed that Dr Annuar had shared several inundated locations.

“I have already asked our engineers to level up with gravel for the time being in view of the wet weather,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Izkandar stated that the SMC Engineering Section has informed him that leveling works will soon be carried out at two sections of Jalan Pahlawan main road, which frequently experience water ponding during periods of heavy rain.

In addition, Jalan Pahlawan is listed under this year’s MARRIS (Malaysian Road Records Information System) programme for upgrading, he disclosed.

“Site setup is targeted to begin by next week. Subject to weather conditions, tar sealing works are targeted for completion before Chinese New Year, while works on the road shoulders and kerbs are planned after Chinese New Year.

“These improvement works aim to reduce standing water, enhance road safety, and ensure smoother traffic flow for all road users,” said Izkandar.