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BINTULU, Jan 30 – Poor drainage has been identified as the key factor behind the devastating floods in Bintulu, with Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing calling for immediate action to deepen and widen Sungai Sebiew and Sungai Kemena to prevent future calamities.
According to Tiong, Sungai Sebiew has been unable to discharge excess water efficiently, causing rapid surges in water levels and widespread flooding. He blamed this on the lack of progress in the riverbed deepening and widening project, which has been stuck in the planning stage for nearly five years.
“I have repeatedly stressed that the river must be deepened by at least three to five metres and widened to 100 metres to accommodate increasing rainfall caused by climate change. Without this, such disasters will continue,” he said.
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Severe Flooding Leaves Residents Stranded
After three days and two nights of relentless heavy rain, many areas in Bintulu are now submerged, with floodwaters rising as high as the second floor of residential buildings. The worst-hit locations include settlements along Sungai Sebiew, where many residents, including the elderly, women, and children, remain stranded, awaiting rescue.
Tiong also pointed out that Sungai Kemena, which connects directly to the sea, is facing severe sedimentation, making navigation difficult for boats. He intends to raise this issue at an upcoming meeting at the Resident’s Office on Feb 10, where he will propose halting the construction of a bridge connecting Taman Jason and Taman Kemena Sutera to avoid further disruptions to riverbed improvement efforts.
Emergency Response Mobilised
With rescue operations in full force, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has activated a 24-hour emergency response. Teams from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Malaysia Civil Defence Department, the military, and the police have been deployed to aid affected residents. Due to the severity of the flooding, additional Bomba personnel from Sibu, Miri, Labuan, and Kota Kinabalu have also been sent to assist.
Furthermore, two speedboats from the Progressive Democratic Party’s (PDP) Central Region Disaster Relief Task Force are being used to support rescue efforts.
Urgent Relocation Needed for Safety
Tiong has urged authorities to expedite the relocation of illegal settlements along both riverbanks to facilitate river improvement projects. He highlighted that these communities are at high risk during floods and their presence obstructs essential drainage and infrastructure improvements.
“The people of Bintulu cannot continue suffering from these recurring floods. Immediate action is needed to deepen and widen our rivers to mitigate the risk of future disasters,” Tiong stressed.
Relief Centres Opened for Flood Victims
Five temporary evacuation centres (PPS) have been set up in Bintulu to shelter displaced residents:
- BDA Kidurong Sports Centre
- Balai Raya Jepak
- Stadium Muhibbah
- Dewan Suarah Bintulu
- Dewan SMK Assyakirin Sg Plan
Authorities are working around the clock to provide basic necessities and relief aid to those affected.
For those in need of immediate assistance, Tiong can be contacted at 019-9565555, or reach out to the P217 Bintulu Parliamentary Constituency Service Centre at 086-312979. Additionally, the Special Affairs Officer to the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Steven Kong Kai Seng, can be contacted at 012-8049663.
Residents are advised to remain indoors and prioritise safety as authorities continue rescue and relief operations.