Measures in place to address flooding woes in Kampung Jeriah, says deputy minister

SIBU: Several measures will be taken to solve the ongoing issue of flooding in Kampung Jeriah, particularly in Lorong 2B and 8.

Deputy Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said among them are the drainage improvement works project which will divert rainwater from flowing into Kampung Jeriah and reduce flash floods.

“The RM33 million state-funded project has already been approved under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

“I have been informed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sibu divisional engineer Rudi Abang Zamhari that RM2 million has been approved this year for the project’s planning and design stage.

“After this stage, we will apply for approval of the RM31 million balance to implement the project,” he said in a video posted on his Facebook yesterday (Jan 20) depicting a dialogue session with the residents.

He also revealed that for Lorong 2B, three measures will be taken involving raising the road, building a retaining wall, and building a new drain from Lorong 2B, which will be connected to the main drain.

“For the new drain, it will be implemented if the landowner gives consent for the drain to pass through his land. We are working on it,” he said.

As for the residents of three houses in Jeriah 8, Dr Annuar has proposed that the extended families staying on the ground floor be given a land lot to build houses at other locations.

Responding to claims that the government has not taken action on the long-standing issue, Dr Annuar highlighted a previous expenditure of RM20 million to improve the drainage system in Kampung Jeriah.

While it did not entirely resolve the flooding problem, he stressed that flood mitigation measures take time.

“I am aware of their suffering. For this reason, I hope they will agree to these short- and long-term measures we are proposing,” he said.

Dr Annuar speaks to the residents.