Kuching: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has called for full accountability from the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak; the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, and the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for their continued failure to resolve the long-standing flash flood problem affecting Kuching South.
Yong said that during a heavy downpour around 6 pm on 22 October 2025, several residential areas, including Pending Heights, Bintawa Fishing Village, Sungai Apong, and Foochow Road No. 1, were once again hit by flash floods.
“Within minutes, rainwater overflowed into homes, damaging household items, electrical appliances, furniture, and vehicles.
“Many residents were left helpless, spending long hours cleaning mud and debris from their flooded homes,” she said in a statement.
Describing the issue as a “recurring nightmare” that has plagued residents for decades, Yong said the authorities have continuously ignored public complaints and her repeated calls in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to take concrete action.
“What is most shocking and ironic is that in Pending Heights, the flash flood situation has actually worsened after the recent drainage upgrading works by MBKS.
“This raises serious questions about the competency of the project, the quality of the planning and whether there was ever a proper master drainage plan for the area in the first place,” she added.
Yong criticised the responsible agencies for what she described as a serious lapse in urban planning and infrastructure management, saying it was “unacceptable” that Kuching residents still face property damage and hardship every time heavy rain occurs.
She urged the Sarawak Premier and the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government to immediately establish and distribute a compassionate fund to flood victims in Pending Heights, Bintawa Fishing Village, Sungai Apong, Foochow Road No. 1, and other affected areas.
“These victims should not be left to bear the burden alone when the root cause of their suffering lies in the government’s neglect and failure in proper urban drainage management.
“The state government must show genuine concern and responsibility by extending immediate financial assistance to those who have lost valuable possessions and endured great hardship,” Yong stressed.
She also called on DID Sarawak and MBKS to conduct a detailed technical assessment and rectify all failed drainage upgrading works in known flood-prone areas without further delay.
