Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
From Our Readers

The big flood that happened in Miri on Jan 30, 2015 was something quite extraordinary. This time, many areas around Miri city were inundated by flood waters as high as about 0.6m to 1m. Roads became congested with vehicles stuck in floods.

Much damage occurred on properties and homes due to the flood waters. Among the areas worst-hit by massive flooding this time were Kampung Luak, Taman Selera Tanjung Lobang and around the Miri city centre.

The incident that occurred yesterday afternoon was indeed unforeseen because it is very rare that heavy rains would cause major floods, hitting residential areas in the Kampung Luak and many other areas in Miri.

The Luak village residents are upset with the developer who levelled the land on the hillside without control, causing water stagnation and overflowing water pouring into their residential area.

Before this, massive floods in the area were very rare, but due to the developers allegedly not carrying out proper drainage, causing the flow of water from the top of the hill to be uncontrollable and causing erosion and watershed flowing out over the low areas.

Drainage problems and housing built on a hill without control should be given attention by the authorities.

These are some of the causes of major floods in Miri when there are no more trees as the anchor to hold rainwater from flowing out uncontrollably.

We urge the authorities to act decisively on those who do not comply with the rules, especially at residential areas just off hillsides, that are among one of the causes of major floods in Kampung Luak.

In the meantime, the Amal Unit of PAS also helped villagers affected by the flood. They came to assist in cleaning the houses, which were stained with dirt due to muddy water getting into the residents’ homes.

We also urge the government and the parties concerned to provide immediate assistance to those whose homes were severely affected by the  floods.

Once again, we urge the authorities to take immediate action to solve this problem so that massive flood in Miri can be controlled and prevented from recurring.

Among the things that need to be addressed by the authorities is the problem of drainage and also soil erosion on hillsides.

Cooperation with the authorities to resolve this problem from becoming protracted is greatly appreciated.


JOFRI JARAIEE is Sarawak PAS deputy commissioner III-cum-Miri PAS chief.

ADS