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SABAH Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee has accused current Luyang and Likas representatives of failing to maintain flood mitigation infrastructure, highlighting a proven formula from past decades that he says could prevent recurring floods in the area.
Speaking at a SAPP friendship dinner with the Chinese Women’s Association, Yong, a former Likas assemblyman, recalled the major flood that hit the area in 1988.
“This area suffered a major flood in 1988, and the government then spent a substantial amount to resolve the problem. In 1990, the Likas flood mitigation system and pumping station were completed.
“Since then, Dah Yeh Villa was no longer affected by floods. Many residents even retained the concrete barriers built at their front doors as a preventive measure. No one expected that after 35 years, the area would experience flooding again,” he said.
Yong criticised the current incumbents for only inspecting flood pumps three days after the recent flooding — and at the wrong location, Kampung Likas, instead of Dah Yeh Villa.
“This is not their first term as representatives. They should know exactly where the pumping station is located, yet they mistakenly inspected the pumps at Kampung Likas (Sungai Likas), which are not connected to Dah Yeh Villa,” he said.
He insisted that the long-standing flood mitigation system is proof that with proper maintenance, such disasters can be avoided.
Yong urged voters in Likas and Luyang to support SAPP candidates in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRU17 Sabah). Present at the dinner were SAPP’s Luyang candidate Gee Tien Siong and Likas candidate Yong Yit Jee. - November 20, 2025