DEBAK: Saribas assemblyman Mohammad Razi Sitam has called for the Sarawak government to prioritise resolving the issue of flash floods in areas here.
He said the frequent flash flooding occurring after heavy rainfall along with high tide is perturbing residents.
“The effect it had on Kampung Babu, Bungey, Lalang, and Debak Laut is saddening… the issue of population safety, destruction of property seems to be synonymous with what is happening.
“Therefore, I will bring this matter directly to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in the hope that the Sarawak government can provide special allocation and prioritise the situation in Debak,” he said.
Razi, who is a Debak native, said this when met by Suara Sarawak here yesterday.
He said the same request had also been forwarded to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas as chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
“As it was before, the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Betong did have a plan to address the problem of flash floods.
“It was also understood that the paperwork has also been submitted to the authorities where three actions are currently pending for government approval,” he said.
“There were also proposals to expand and deepen Sungai Rimbas… however, we must understand that the work requires careful study,” he added.
While waiting for further directives, DID agreed to clean up and deepen the four main trenches inland to smoothen the flow of water, according to Razi.
“I hope the authorities can do it as soon as possible,” he said.
