MetMalaysia should issue any unusual downpour earlier, says Dr Yii

KUCHNG: An earlier alert should be issued by the Meteorological Department to warn the public of the unusual downpour, said Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament Dr Kelvin Yii.
 
He said this is one of the short-term actions that should be taken during heavy rains that could cause flash floods.
 
“A check on their website (the Meteorological Department) shows the warning was only issued at 6.30am.
 
“It should have been issued earlier so people can prepare for any eventuality,” he said in his Facebook post today (March 18).
 
Earlier, he said his team continues to be on the ground to monitor and help those affected by the flash floods.
 
“We also recorded all the affected areas and will make an official report to the local council and Sarawak Local Government Ministry,” he said.
 
Adding to the short-term action, Dr Yii said there has to be constant and periodic cleaning of the drainage system, especially during the monsoon season, to ensure there is proper outflow of water.
 
“This has to be continuous, especially in flood-prone areas, as every time water rises, many of these drains get stuck with debris and rubbish,” he pointed out.
 
As for long-term action, he stressed that the Flood Mitigation Project and Sungai Sarawak Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) cannot be delayed anymore.
 
“This is something that I have always been pushing in Parliament.
 
“We will try to help as many families as possible, especially the poor that are affected in our constituency,” he said.