KUALA LUMPUR: Bintulu member of parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for flood mitigation projects to be expedited after many parts of the district were inundated by floodwaters, leaving scores stranded.

In a Facebook post, Tiong, who is also tourism, arts and culture minister, said human factors could not be ruled out in the worsening flood situation.

“Issues such as flaws in Bintulu’s drainage system have prevented Sungai Sibiew from effectively discharging excess water, causing a rapid surge in river levels.

“The strong currents have further complicated rescue operations, increasing risks for both victims and responders,” said Tiong, who has been assisting with rescue efforts.

He said areas around Sungai Sibiew were worst affected due to the long-overdue deepening and widening of the riverbed.

“The Sungai Sibiew riverbed project has remained a mere proposal for nearly five years, with no actual progress.

“This flood should serve as a warning; relevant agencies must take responsibility.”

Tiong said he had repeatedly stressed that the riverbed must be deepened by at least three to five metres and widened to 100m to accommodate increasing rainfall.

He said Sungai Kemena, which leads to the sea, must also be deepened.

Tiong said he would raise the widening and deepening of both rivers at the next Resident’s Office meeting on Feb 10.

“I will also propose halting the bridge construction connecting Taman Jason and Taman Kemena Sutera to prevent disruptions to the riverbed work.”

He added that the relocation of residents living in illegal settlements along the riverbank must also be expedited.

Tiong said the floods had destroyed homes and caused immense financial losses and despair to many Bintulu families, including those celebrating Chinese New Year.

“The deepening and widening of these two rivers must start without further delay to mitigate the risk of flash floods.”

“Through close coordination with the Resident’s Office and relevant authorities — including the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia Civil Defence Force, military and police — rescue and relief efforts are being swiftly carried out in affected areas.”

He said additional personnel from fire stations in Sibu, Miri, Labuan and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, had been deployed to assist in disaster relief.