SIBU: A heavy downpour last night (Jan 12) coupled with rising water levels in the Rajang River, caused severe flooding on several roads here bringing traffic to a snarl.
Several cars were reported to have broken down driving through the flooded Ling Kai Cheng Road, leading to a complete traffic standstill in the Ulu Sungai Merah area
In addition, other roads such as Jalan Teng Chin Hua, Apollo East Road, and Jalan Khoo Peng Loong also experienced serious flooding.
“These incidents highlight significant shortcomings in the current road infrastructure when faced with extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain,”said Irene Wong, Special Assistant to Sibu Member of Parliament Oscar Ling in a statement today (Jan 13).
To address the issue, Wong said the government should urgently plan more alternative routes to alleviate traffic pressure on Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah and other affected areas, ensuring safe and smooth travel for everyone.
She noted that residents in some low-lying areas on the west bank of Sibu, especially those near the river, were severely affected by the flooding.
“This morning (Jan 13), due to high water levels on the west bank, the Civil Defence Force had to assist two Kwong Hua Secondary School teachers, seven students, and three examiners in reaching Kwong Hua Secondary School in Sungai Sadit.”
She pointed out that such severe flooding occurs almost every year during the rainy season.
Local residents are forced to stay vigilant, monitoring rising water levels and moving their vehicles to higher ground in advance, she said, adding this problem has plagued the community for years, leaving residents resigned to the situation.
Wong believed that to solve the problem completely, the Sarawak government must develop a long-term plan for the west bank, including deepening drainage channels, especially those connected to major roads between Sibu and the Sungai Sadit/Kwong Hua areas and raising the height of roads in low-lying areas to mitigate the impact of flooding during the rainy season.
In the short term, she suggested that the Sarawak government prioritise measures such as clearing and deepening drainage channels.
“Additionally, incorporating a comprehensive flood mitigation plan for the west bank into the regional development blueprint for the next decade could gradually improve local infrastructure and address the longstanding challenges posed by flooding,” Wong added.
