Kota Kinabalu: Inanam Assemblywoman Edna Majimbun urged the relevant ministry and the Sabah Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) to urgently strengthen and raise riverbanks in flood-prone areas in her constituency following three floods reported this year.
She said the floods occurred on Jan 3, Oct 1 and Oct 19, raising concerns over the safety of hundreds of residents living in vulnerable areas.
“The situation in Kg Kionsom is particularly concerning as the gabion structures installed earlier have failed to provide strong and effective protection against river currents.
“The residents remain exposed to the risk of overflowing rivers, especially during heavy rain, with recurring floods disrupting daily life and threatening property and public safety.
“I urge the relevant ministry and JPS Sabah to give this matter serious attention and take immediate action.
“Residents should not have to live in fear every time it rains heavily when appropriate measures can be planned and implemented to reduce flood risks,” she said.
Edna also called on the ministry to coordinate and direct JPS Sabah to conduct immediate technical inspections to assess riverbank conditions, identify vulnerable locations and determine suitable, long-lasting reinforcement measures.
“Priority should be given to strengthening riverbank protection structures, carrying out temporary repairs at affected locations and raising riverbanks where necessary to reduce the risk of water overflowing into residential areas,” she said.
She also called for comprehensive river maintenance along Kg Kionsom, Kg Pomotodon, Kg Dambai, Kg Malaka and Kg Tatahan to address sand and silt deposits, rubbish and other obstructions that could affect river flow and increase flood risksAccording to Edna, regular inspections, river cleaning and sediment dredging should be carried out based on thorough technical assessments, rather than waiting for floods to occur.
She stressed that flood mitigation efforts should cover the entire stretch of river in the affected areas instead of focusing on a single location.
Edna also urged the ministry and JPS Sabah to provide clear feedback on inspection findings, planned mitigation measures and the schedule for riverbank reinforcement and maintenance works.
“Residents’ safety must be the priority. We need stronger and more effective solutions to protect residential areas from the threat of overflowing rivers,” she said.
