The ongoing flash flood crisis in Sibu has reached a critical point, prompting Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to call for immediate intervention. Tiong has urged the relevant authorities, particularly the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), to act swiftly by collecting essential data from riverbed surveys and initiating urgent dredging operations. This decisive action, according to Tiong, is necessary to alleviate the worsening flash flood situation that has been plaguing the area.
Minister Tiong Highlights the Severity of the Flooding
Tiong, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bintulu and the assemblyman for Dudong, underscored the severity of the current flooding in Sibu. Describing it as one of the worst he has ever encountered, he noted that the water levels have reached unprecedented heights, causing widespread concern among residents.
“The situation is dire and deeply concerning, especially for the vulnerable members of our community, including children, the elderly, and women,” Tiong stated in a Facebook post. He added that the rising waters have effectively cut off many areas in Salim-Stabau from the road network, isolating residents from the outside world.
Salim-Stabau: A Community Isolated by Floodwaters
The Impact on Local Residents
The residents of Salim-Stabau, one of the hardest-hit areas, are experiencing severe disruption due to the floods. With road access completely blocked, they are essentially cut off from any external help or communication.
“The residents are essentially isolated from the outside world,” Tiong remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The flooding has not only disrupted daily life but also posed significant risks to the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
Stranded Teachers and Students Rescued After 10-Hour Ordeal
In a particularly alarming incident, Tiong reported that a group of teachers and students were stranded in a remote school for more than 10 hours before rescue teams could reach them. This event underscores the dangerous conditions created by the floods and the need for immediate remedial action.
Minister’s Ground-Level Assessment of the Situation
Visiting Affected Households
To get a firsthand understanding of the situation, Tiong personally visited the affected households in Salim-Stabau, accompanied by relevant personnel. Despite the challenging conditions, with water levels reaching chest height, the minister and his team insisted on wading through the floodwaters to reach those in need.
“This is why I personally visited each household yesterday, accompanied by the necessary personnel,” Tiong explained. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the flood victims had sufficient food supplies and that their losses and troubles caused by long-term flooding were fully understood.
The Importance of “Better Safe Than Sorry”
Tiong stressed the importance of the adage “better safe than sorry,” noting that only through thorough inspection of the disaster areas could they accurately assess the extent of the damage and whether the flood had caused any unnecessary casualties. His commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents was evident in his proactive approach.
The Struggles of Navigating Deep Floodwaters
Tiong, who stands at approximately 170cm tall, recounted the difficulties he faced while navigating the deep, murky floodwaters. “Even I struggled to navigate the deep, murky waters,” he shared, illustrating the hazardous conditions the residents have had to endure. He noted that a single misstep could have led to a dangerous fall into the contaminated water, further highlighting the risks faced by those living in the flood-affected areas.
A Call to Action: Addressing Long-Term Flooding Challenges
The Ongoing Plight of Salim-Stabau Residents
The residents of Salim-Stabau have lived under the threat of flooding for years, often feeling powerless when the waters rise. Tiong questioned whether authorities would continue to stand by and watch these communities suffer without taking meaningful action. “Yet, the residents of Salim-Stabau have endured these dreadful conditions for years, feeling powerless when floods strike. Are we just going to continue watching them suffer?” he asked, urging for immediate and long-term solutions.
The Need for Comprehensive Dredging and Flood Mitigation Efforts
Tiong’s call for urgent dredging works is not just a temporary solution but a necessary step towards addressing the recurring flood issues in Sibu. He emphasized that comprehensive and sustained efforts are needed to prevent future floods and protect the lives and livelihoods of the residents.
Conclusion: A Dire Need for Proactive Flood Management
The flash floods in Sibu serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities living in flood-prone areas. Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s call for immediate river dredging and his hands-on approach to assessing the situation underscore the urgent need for proactive flood management. As Sibu faces one of its most severe flooding crises, the time for action is now. By addressing the root causes of the flooding and implementing effective mitigation measures, authorities can help ensure that such devastating events become a thing of the past.