(Sibu, 1st) Sarawak DAP Political Education Director Irene Mary Chang Oi Ling pointed out that in light of the serious flooding in Bintulu, Sibu authorities should make preparations in all aspects to prevent upcoming floods from causing more severe impacts in certain disaster areas of Sibu.
She issued a statement today, expressing deep concern during her recent inspection of flood-affected areas in Sibu. She found that on Mei Lian Road, Mei Lun Road, the sixth lane of Brooke Drive, and the left side of Hua Qiao Road, there are no clearly visible signs or indicators placed along the road edges to warn road users of the drainage ditch boundaries. Additionally, residents from Ulu Sungai Merah reported to Irene Mary Chang Oi Ling about unclear road edges on Lin Kai Zhen Road. This oversight poses a significant safety risk, especially for motorcyclists traveling on these roads, as the boundaries of the drainage ditches are not immediately visible when the water is murky.
She stated that when water levels rise and submerge the road edges, there is an increased risk of motorcyclists accidentally falling into uncovered drainage ditches, which could lead to serious accidents or injuries. The lack of warning signs exacerbates this danger, especially when visibility is reduced due to dim environments or adverse weather conditions.
She said the Sibu Municipal Council's urgent task is to take appropriate measures immediately and install prominently visible signage or barriers at all locations prone to flooding, indicating the presence of drainage ditch boundaries, guiding road users to navigate these areas safely. This will help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of all road users under such challenging conditions.
She pointed out that before the completion of the flood control projects promised by the government, local authorities should not only prepare for post-disaster situations but also take proactive measures to prevent or at least minimize the impact of high tides and monsoon seasons. In fact, the occurrence of floods every year clearly reminds the authorities of this long-standing issue. While it may be believed that flood control projects take time to implement and fully function, and natural factors like heavy rain indeed cause flooding, the failure to regularly take measures to enhance disaster prevention, such as timely clearing and maintenance of drainage systems, resulting in insufficient water flow speed, often exacerbates the severity of the flood situation.
Therefore, Irene Mary Chang Oi Ling called on the Sibu Municipal Council and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to take proactive measures to ensure that all drainage ditches are always properly cleared and desilted, and promptly remove garbage, to protect the safety of people's lives and property.