Michael Lui
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui on Saturday urged the government to address the issue of frequent flooding in the state capital and surrounding areas.
He said the relevant departments such as the local authority, namely the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), Public Works Department (PWD) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), should uncover the crux of the problem and formulate an effective flood mitigation plan.
He said the authorities have to be more proactive in tackling the perennial flood issue as opposed to having to deal with the aftermath again and again.
Lui said the downpour on Friday had caused flash floods at low-lying areas in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang, resulting in great losses for business owners.
“The floods have dealt another heavy blow to people whose livelihoods are affected by the total lockdown under the movement control order 3.0 (MCO 3.0).
“The floods have incurred huge financial losses to residents and business operators who were unable to save their properties or belongings in time, some of them were even forced to move to safe locations overnight.”
He said the perennial flooding did not only cause financial losses, but also mental stress to the flood victims.
“The government must look into issues that affect the people’s safety and livelihood.”
Lui attributed the widespread flooding to subpar drainage system, clogged drain and poor maintenance of rivers and drains.
He said a systematic flood mitigation plan should include deepening the riverbed, widening the river and if necessary, build embankment, as well as construct more drainage systems to resolve the flooding problems once and for all.
“We believe that if the government has political will, the flooding problems will be resolved.”
Several roads in the city, including Jalan Sulaman and Jalan Lintas, as well as several areas in Likas, Inanam and Penampang, were inundated by floodwaters following over five hours of heavy downpour on Friday afternoon.
The flash floods also caused traffic congestions on several main roads such as at Jalan Sulaman near the 1Borneo Hypermall, and the rain had started to subside at around 8 pm.
Some roads were submerged and inaccessible to light vehicles and the Fire and Rescue Department had deployed its members to assist those affected by the floods.
The houses of Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak in Likas were also inundated by floodwaters.