MIRI (Nov 29): Residents of Golden Park in Miri are pleading with the Miri City Council (MCC) to take immediate action as recurring flash floods continue to wreak havoc in their neighbourhood, especially during heavy rains.
Wong Hee Yian, a long-time resident, shared her frustrations about the worsening situation, which she attributes to flawed drainage systems following a commercial development in the area. “We moved here in 1986 and never experienced flash floods until 2020. The issue began after developers built a row of shop lots, including the Metro Miri Supermarket,” she said.
According to Wong, the drainage system was poorly designed, with one of the connecting drains ending in a dead-end. This defect prevents proper water flow, causing the area to flood during heavy rains. The latest incident occurred on Monday (Nov 25) following a downpour, flooding Wong’s home and endangering her family’s safety.
Wong expressed her disappointment with MCC, claiming that despite numerous complaints and inspections by council officers, no concrete solutions have been implemented. “Every time they come, they ask the same question, ‘What happened?’ It’s frustrating when nothing gets resolved after their visits,” she said.
Living with her temporarily disabled husband and her daughter with an intellectual disability, Wong says the situation has made their lives increasingly difficult. “My husband risks slipping at night when water seeps in, and I have to remain vigilant for my family’s safety. The flash floods are not just inconvenient but hazardous, especially for us senior citizens,” she added.
Neighbours have reported similar challenges, with the flooding bringing dangerous creatures like snakes and centipedes into their homes.
Wong vows to escalate the issue by writing to the Sarawak Premier’s office if the MCC fails to act. She hopes the authorities will prioritise their safety and wellbeing, especially with the ongoing Northeast Monsoon.