MIRI (Dec 10): Flood mitigation initiatives, drainage upgrades, maintenance works and inter-agency coordination must be urgently reviewed to address recurring flood problems in several parts of Miri, said Chiew Choon Man.

In a statement, the Miri MP expressed deep concern that a single night of heavy rain had once again caused flooding in multiple areas across the city.

“This clearly shows that something is not right, and that we have not fully learned from the serious floods that struck earlier this year. The fear and trauma among the people are real, and today’s incident has reignited that anxiety for many families,” he said.

Chiew noted that flooding reported in areas such as Kampung Sealine, as well as along several roads in Tudan and Jalan Miri-Bypass, should not have occurred in a city that had already experienced a major flood episode earlier this year.

He said he had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, including during the recent sitting, stressing the need for concrete and effective measures to prevent a recurrence.

“We have been assured at various levels that actions and works have been carried out. However, what happened today shows that whatever has been done is still insufficient to protect Miri from flooding.

“The people deserve honest answers and tangible results, not merely assurances,” he said.

Chiew added that he would be assessing the effectiveness of flood mitigation works undertaken by the relevant departments and agencies.

On assistance for flood victims, he said his service centre had begun extending help to affected families, including the distribution of food aid and essential items.

“My team is also gathering more detailed information from the affected areas so that we can better coordinate support and escalate urgent needs to the relevant authorities where necessary,” he said.