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MIRI – It will take many years and billions of ringgit in fundings to tackle the flood woes throughout Sarawak, said the state premier.
Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg also added that he is considering a drainage system used in the Netherlands to curtail the problem.
He said deputy premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is the state minister in charge of public health, housing and local government, has been entrusted with finding a solution to the flood woes.
“Dr Sim just returned from studying the Dutch system in the Netherlands where their drainage system prevented floods even though the country is below sea level.
“We want to adopt the Dutch system in Kuching, Sibu, Miri and the rest of Sarawak where we are facing more floods.
“All these will take time. We will need billions in fundings,” he told reporters after visiting the Batu Kawa flood relief centre in Kuching today.
Johari said having a better drainage system in Sarawak is key towards mitigating the flood woes.
Over the last four days Sarawak had been hit badly by floods yet again with over 330 people evacuated in four affected districts at present.
Two southern districts of Kuching and Serian were hit by heavy rain and flash floods early today while Sri Aman and Betong in central Sarawak are also affected.
The state Disaster Management Committee and state Fire and Rescue Department have reported floods in numerous villages, and six flood relief centres have been activated in community halls.
Fire and Rescue Department units are being deployed to affected areas to assist victims. Flood waters have inundated houses and covered roads in many residential areas.
The early morning hours saw heavy rain in the affected locations. – The Vibes, March 2, 2023