TAWAU: Sabah Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has been urged to expedite the implementation of a comprehensive special action plan to address recurring flash floods in Tanjung Batu villages through a long-term solution.
Tanjung Batu Assemblyman Dr Andi Md Shamshureezal Mohd Sainal said deepening and widening Sungai Tanjung Batu was urgently needed, attributing the worsening floods to the river's narrowing channel, sediment build-up and structures along its banks.
He said the issue was compounded by climate change, prolonged heavy rain and high tides, adding that a special meeting would be held soon to review the progress of short-, medium- and long-term flood mitigation plans drawn up with DID following the January 12 flash floods.
Shamshureezal, who is also Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said the latest floods affected 102 families, involving an estimated 303 to 360 people, compared with about 30 families previously, making it the worst incident in the past seven months.
He said each affected household would receive RM1,000 in financial aid and food baskets from the Chief Minister's Department, while residents living near the river were advised to remain vigilant despite being allowed to return home, with local UPPM personnel and security agencies remaining on 24-hour standby.
