(Bintulu, 11th) Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing urges the swift implementation of the Sungai Sebiew riverbed deepening plan to prevent severe flooding in the Bintulu urban area.
He stated in a press release that Bintulu is developing rapidly, and the existing flood control system, due to a lack of proper planning, is no longer functioning effectively.
Tiong, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, emphasized this matter during a special meeting held yesterday by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA).
He said that authorities will expedite the resettlement of illegal houses in the riverside area and hopes that the affected residents will cooperate actively.
“The Land and Survey Department has conducted a census on the affected families in the disaster zone who need to relocate. Once the census is completed, relevant agencies including the Resident’s Office and the Bintulu Development Authority will hold a final coordination meeting on February 24 to discuss and finalize the resettlement plan.”
Tiong mentioned that any new constructions without approval in the area will be prohibited, and all illegal buildings will be demolished.
He said local residents who meet the criteria for illegal status will be resettled in government-designated areas, including affordable housing units currently under construction.
“If these units cannot be completed in time, residents will still need to relocate and make temporary arrangements. All parties must be prepared for this change.”
The riverbed deepening plan has been in preparation since early 2020, including widening the river channel by 100 meters and deepening the riverbed by 5 meters to accommodate the increasing rainfall.
He urges the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Bintulu Development Authority, and other relevant agencies to re-evaluate the entire river system and development plans in Bintulu.
He emphasized that developers are prohibited from blocking existing rivers during construction projects, as this would hinder natural drainage and affect the smooth flow of rainwater into the sea.
He believes that all existing drainage systems, including channels big and small, must be re-evaluated and upgraded if necessary to prevent flash floods.
He stated in a press release that Bintulu is developing rapidly, and the existing flood control system, due to a lack of proper planning, is no longer functioning effectively.
Tiong, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, emphasized this matter during a special meeting held yesterday by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA).
He said that authorities will expedite the resettlement of illegal houses in the riverside area and hopes that the affected residents will cooperate actively.
“The Land and Survey Department has conducted a census on the affected families in the disaster zone who need to relocate. Once the census is completed, relevant agencies including the Resident’s Office and the Bintulu Development Authority will hold a final coordination meeting on February 24 to discuss and finalize the resettlement plan.”
Tiong mentioned that any new constructions without approval in the area will be prohibited, and all illegal buildings will be demolished.
He said local residents who meet the criteria for illegal status will be resettled in government-designated areas, including affordable housing units currently under construction.
“If these units cannot be completed in time, residents will still need to relocate and make temporary arrangements. All parties must be prepared for this change.”
The riverbed deepening plan has been in preparation since early 2020, including widening the river channel by 100 meters and deepening the riverbed by 5 meters to accommodate the increasing rainfall.
He urges the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Bintulu Development Authority, and other relevant agencies to re-evaluate the entire river system and development plans in Bintulu.
He emphasized that developers are prohibited from blocking existing rivers during construction projects, as this would hinder natural drainage and affect the smooth flow of rainwater into the sea.
He believes that all existing drainage systems, including channels big and small, must be re-evaluated and upgraded if necessary to prevent flash floods.