(Miri, 26th) Peter Hee, chairman of the Sarawak DAP Socialist Youth, expressed deep concern over last night’s flash floods in many areas of Miri caused by heavy rain lasting less than two hours. He urged the Miri Municipal Council to take swift action to strengthen the urban drainage system to ensure such incidents do not recur.
He stated that Miri has frequently experienced flash floods in recent years, which not only affects the daily lives of citizens but also causes significant damage to the properties of businesses and residents. This situation reflects obvious deficiencies and aging problems in the urban drainage system of Miri, requiring immediate resolution.
“Although last night’s heavy rain was short-lived, it quickly submerged streets in several areas, trapped vehicles, and forced shops to suspend operations due to flooding. If such situations are not improved in the long term, it will not only affect the safety of citizens but also weaken Miri’s appeal as a tourist and commercial center.”
He emphasized that climate change has led to more extreme weather patterns, with frequent and intense rainfall becoming the new norm. Therefore, the government must be proactive in strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly the drainage system.
The Sarawak DAP Socialist Youth suggests that the Municipal Council take the following measures:
1. Conduct a comprehensive review and upgrade of the drainage system: especially in areas prone to flooding, ensuring the drainage system can cope with sudden downpours.
2. Develop long-term flood prevention plans: by improving urban design and planning, including the construction of more rainwater storage ponds or underground drainage pipelines to enhance the city’s flood resistance.
3. Regular maintenance of existing drainage facilities: clearing garbage and silt from drainage pipelines to ensure the drainage system remains unblocked.
4. Strengthen communication with the community: through education and publicity to raise citizens' disaster prevention awareness, while collecting public opinions to improve existing flood prevention measures.
“We urge the Miri Municipal Council to act immediately, coordinate with relevant departments, and implement the above measures as soon as possible. Ensuring the safety of citizens’ lives and property is the unshirkable responsibility of the government. Miri can no longer be complacent about the flood problem.”
Finally, he also called on citizens to remain vigilant during the rainy season, especially avoiding going out during heavy rains for safety. Meanwhile, he urged local governments to release a specific action plan and schedule to show concrete changes to the people.
“Although last night’s heavy rain was short-lived, it quickly submerged streets in several areas, trapped vehicles, and forced shops to suspend operations due to flooding. If such situations are not improved in the long term, it will not only affect the safety of citizens but also weaken Miri’s appeal as a tourist and commercial center.”
He emphasized that climate change has led to more extreme weather patterns, with frequent and intense rainfall becoming the new norm. Therefore, the government must be proactive in strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly the drainage system.
The Sarawak DAP Socialist Youth suggests that the Municipal Council take the following measures:
1. Conduct a comprehensive review and upgrade of the drainage system: especially in areas prone to flooding, ensuring the drainage system can cope with sudden downpours.
2. Develop long-term flood prevention plans: by improving urban design and planning, including the construction of more rainwater storage ponds or underground drainage pipelines to enhance the city’s flood resistance.
3. Regular maintenance of existing drainage facilities: clearing garbage and silt from drainage pipelines to ensure the drainage system remains unblocked.
4. Strengthen communication with the community: through education and publicity to raise citizens' disaster prevention awareness, while collecting public opinions to improve existing flood prevention measures.
“We urge the Miri Municipal Council to act immediately, coordinate with relevant departments, and implement the above measures as soon as possible. Ensuring the safety of citizens’ lives and property is the unshirkable responsibility of the government. Miri can no longer be complacent about the flood problem.”
Finally, he also called on citizens to remain vigilant during the rainy season, especially avoiding going out during heavy rains for safety. Meanwhile, he urged local governments to release a specific action plan and schedule to show concrete changes to the people.