Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing has once again proven that leadership extends beyond policy and speeches. Braving waist-high floodwaters in his constituency, the Bintulu Member of Parliament personally waded through the murky deluge to assist stranded residents as the region faced one of its worst floods in years.
Dressed simply in a t-shirt, shorts, slippers, and a raincoat, Tiong demonstrated hands-on commitment, ensuring aid reached those in need. In a Facebook post, he shared images of the flood-ravaged areas, expressing his determination to help the victims. “In this difficult time, let’s support and help each other. My team, as well as all relevant agencies, will do our best to assist everyone. Stay strong, all my dearest friends. I know it’s tough. Hang in there,” he wrote.
A Crisis Unfolds
Continuous heavy rainfall over three days and two nights submerged Bintulu, with floodwaters rising to the second floor of homes in the hardest-hit areas. Elderly residents, women, and children were among those trapped, anxiously awaiting rescue.
While some attribute the catastrophe to natural causes, Tiong highlighted human factors, particularly flaws in Bintulu’s drainage system. He pointed out that Sungai Sibiew’s inability to discharge excess water efficiently has led to rapid surges in water levels.
Strong currents made rescue operations even more challenging, putting both victims and responders at risk. He explained that the hardest-hit areas are those surrounding Sungai Sibiew, a situation resulting from the long-overdue deepening and widening of its riverbed.
Urgent Action on River Deepening
Determined to prevent future calamities, Tiong pledged immediate action to deepen the riverbeds of Sungai Sibiew and Sungai Kemena. He revealed that the proposed deepening project for Sungai Sibiew has stagnated for nearly five years, leaving residents vulnerable to recurring floods. "This catastrophic flood should be a wake-up call, urging relevant agencies to take responsibility. I have consistently stressed the need to deepen the river by at least three to five meters and widen it to 100 meters to handle the rising rainfall caused by climate change," he said.
Additionally, he stressed that Sungai Kemena, which connects directly to the sea, suffers from severe sedimentation, making navigation difficult. Immediate efforts to deepen the riverbed are crucial for flood mitigation.
Tiong also proposed halting the construction of a bridge linking Taman Jason and Taman Kemena Sutera to prevent further disruptions to the riverbed restoration works.
Moreover, he called for the expedited relocation of illegal settlements along both riverbanks, citing safety concerns.
Mobilizing Resources for Rescue and Recovery
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) promptly triggered a 24-hour emergency response, mobilized efforts with the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Department, the military, and the police to ease rescue operations, provide aid to affected residents, and ensure the swift evacuation of those trapped in flood-hit areas.
Tiong extended his gratitude to Sarawak Deputy Premier and SDMC Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas for the prompt response. Members of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and the P217 Bintulu Service Centre also played a crucial role, deploying rescue boats to evacuate stranded residents and transport them to relief centres.
Additional rescue teams from Sibu, Miri, Labuan, and even Kota Kinabalu were mobilized to support disaster relief efforts due to the severity of the crisis.
A New Year Ruined by Disaster
For many families in Bintulu, the floods turned what should have been a joyous Chinese New Year celebration into a nightmare.
“Many homes were adorned with festive red decorations, anticipating family reunions. However, the relentless downpour has damaged these homes, causing sudden financial losses and forcing families to wait helplessly in relief centres,” Tiong lamented.
He vowed that this disaster would not be forgotten and that the deepening and widening of Bintulu’s rivers must commence without further delay. "We must not let the people of Bintulu endure this suffering again. The time for actions is now," he declared.
A Call for Lasting Change
Tiong’s hands-on approach during this crisis highlights the urgent need for infrastructural improvements to prevent future floods. As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become more frequent, proactive measures like river deepening, drainage system upgrades, and responsible urban planning are essential.
For now, Bintulu’s residents remain hopeful that their MP’s proposals will translate into real, lasting change before another disaster strikes.
By: Kpost
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