KUCHING: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has urged the relevant ministry to provide a comprehensive public report on the causes behind the recurring flash floods plaguing several areas here.
These include the 7th Mile Bazaar, Arang Road, Desa Wira Batu Kawah, and Hua Joo Park. Chong, who visited the flash floods victims at 7th Mile Bazaar here earlier today (Mar 2), said they have endured flash floods rising into their shops twice this year.
“This is the second time this lunar month of the Chinese New Year that they experienced flash floods rising up into their shops, causing losses to them, with the first being on Feb 16.
“The council and the government should give a full account to the victims of these flash floods, which had occurred frequently of late, especially after the completion of the 7th Mile Flyover project and the commencement of the new housing project across the Penrissen Road nearby,” he said in a statement.
He said the Ministry of Public Health,Local Government and Housing must be held accountable over the increasing frequency and severity of flash floods here.
He stressed that while infrastructural development should typically alleviate drainage issues, the ongoing flash flood problem reflects inadequate planning and execution on the part of the Ministry.
“Not only the councils which are responsible for building plans and drainage system in the city are under the responsibility of the Ministry but also the State’s Department of Drainage and Irrigation is also under this Ministry.”
He also called on the Ministry to pay compensation to the affected victims and businesses.
