Bintulu: DAP Bintulu Branch Deputy Secretary Tang Jung Kui has expressed concern that the trauma from the severe floods in January continues to haunt affected residents, with many still feeling anxious whenever heavy rain is forecast.
He said various community groups have repeatedly urged the Sarawak government since the start of the year to address the worsening siltation of Sungai Sibiyu.
Deepening the river, he stressed, is the key to resolving Bintulu’s recurring flood problems.
“Without this core measure, any surface-level patchwork will only be short-term remedies rather than a permanent solution,” he said.
Tang stressed the strategic importance of Sungai Sibiyu, which flows through major residential and daily living areas from the Mile 5 area to Kampung Kemunting near Taman Desa Damai.
“The river system and its interconnected waterways directly affect about 80% of Bintulu’s residential areas.
“This is not a localised issue but an interconnected river system where one part affects the whole,” he said.
He warned that river deepening is not a one-off project but a continuous flood-mitigation task that must be carried out annually.
“However, observations over the past five years indicate worsening siltation and rising flood risks,” he said.
Tang said the Sarawak government must take full responsibility, as all relevant agencies fall under its administration, adding that the state’s strong financial position means capability is not the problem.
“We are not against new development projects, but priorities must be correct. Public safety and the protection of life and property must come first.
“The deepening of Sungai Sibiyu is urgent and must begin immediately – systematically from both the river mouth and upstream, not in a scattered or superficial manner just to ‘get it done’,” he said.
He cautioned that Bintulu remains at constant risk of another severe flood if prolonged heavy rainfall occurs.
“If decisive action is still not taken now, the ones suffering will again be the people, and thousands of families in Bintulu will once more pay the price,” he said.
