BEAUFORT: The road connecting to Kampung Tongok in Weston was rendered impassable due to flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall on Friday.
A resident, Usop Kalong, a firefighter stationed at Petronas in Sipitang, said he must now take the longer main road between Weston and Sipitang whenever heavy rains flood this important route.
This road serves dual purposes, functioning as both a shortcut to Sipitang via Kampung Lubok Darat and the primary access route for Kampung Lubok residents traveling to Weston and Beaufort.
“The recurring flash floods stem from an inadequate drainage system that is poorly maintained, causing rainwater backup instead of flowing out to sea,” Usop said.
He cited life-threatening implications of this situation, particularly during emergencies like fires, medical crises or when pregnant women in labour need urgent hospital access.
While floodwaters typically recede quickly, any emergency occurring during these periods leaves the community completely cut off.
Frustrated residents are demanding immediate action from the Drainage and Irrigation Department, calling for drainage system upgrades and regular maintenance to ensure proper water flow.
Usop recounted a harrowing incident where stranded residents waited over six hours overnight, forced to sleep in their vehicles until waters subsided.
During floods, the only alternative requires a lengthy 24km detour to Sipitang before reaching Beaufort, four times longer than the normal 6km route to Weston.
The community urges Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam, who is Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister as well as Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah to prioritise this issue and ensure the drainage system receives necessary upgrades and quarterly maintenance.
