PENAMPANG: Residents and the business community here want transparency in the flood mitigation plans for the district following repeat significant flooding caused by torrential rains on Monday.
They hoped those in charge, particularly the Public Works Department, would provide clear information about their plans.
“We heard about plans to build a RM300 million flyover, but there is nothing said regarding flood prevention plans.
“What good is a RM300m flyover if floods continue to torment us?” they said.
Many low-lying areas, including the Sigah Roundabout, which is prone to flooding, was overwhelmed again on Monday, with waters receding only shortly after 7am on Tuesday.
In 2014, the district was the worst hit, with more than a dozen villages flooded after two days of nonstop rain in 2014.
Meanwhile, 35 people from 10 families were evacuated in Penampang, while seven areas have been rendered impassable due to floods following continuous heavy rain since Monday night.
The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee secretariat, in a statement, said all victims were relocated to the temporary relief centre at Penampang Cultural Centre, which was opened at 10 pm Monday.
The impassable areas are Kampung Kolopis, along Sungai Koimadang, Bulatan Siga, Penampang Proper, Jalan Kibabaig, Jalan Dato Panglima Banting and Jalan Kasugui.
“Sungai Moyog was at the danger level at midnight. The weather is reported to be cloudy this morning, and the number of evacuees is expected to remain the same today,” the statement read.
Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick, in a statement, said he had been in contact with district officer Francis Chong regarding the floods, adding that officers at the parliamentary service centre have been instructed to assist the district disaster management centre.
“I am currently in Kuala Lumpur for the Parliament session, but I have asked my officers to assist. I hope all residents can take precautions during the floods and heavy rain,” said the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister.
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