Kota Kinabalu: A special task committee may be formed to tackle recurring flash floods and ensure regular maintenance of drainage systems at flood-prone hotspots in the Sepanggar parliamentary constituency.
Sepanggar Member of Parliament Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said he would propose the setting up of the committee to the Kota Kinabalu mayor following recurring flash floods affecting several areas, particularly Inanam and Darau.
He said the committee, if there was currently none, could coordinate preparations and maintenance works, especially at identified flood-prone locations, to minimise the risk of flash floods and landslides.
“This phenomenon is happening quite widely in Sepanggar. Last week, Karambunai was badly affected, while some areas in Darau and Inanam were also affected.
“This week, the situation has shifted to Inanam and Darau, which are areas that frequently experience flooding,” he said when visiting flood victims at the relief centre at Dewan Pekan Manggatal, here, Saturday.
Mustapha said all relevant agencies needed to remain alert, while maintenance works should be carried out regularly to address drainage and infrastructure issues.
He said some flood-prone areas were also affected by construction activities as well as road and infrastructure works, which required closer attention.
Meanwhile, registration of flood victims at the relief centre has been extended until 4pm tomorrow to ensure those affected can be properly verified before assistance from the Federal and State governments is distributed.
Mustapha said he had thanked Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), particularly the mayor in his capacity as chairman of the Kota Kinabalu Disaster Committee, for allowing additional time for victims to register.
He said the registration and verification process was important to ensure accurate data was compiled and assistance channelled to genuine victims, particularly those whose homes were inundated and property damaged.
The data would be verified by DBKK, village heads, Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen, the Social Welfare Department and other relevant agencies.
He said claims must also be accompanied by a police report and confirmed by the respective village head or JKKK chairman.
Mustapha said the total number of flood victims had yet to be determined as registration was still ongoing.
He added that the proposed special task committee could help ensure better coordination among agencies and more systematic preventive measures at flood-prone areas in Sepanggar.
