KUCHING (July 1): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has called for urgent action on the long-delayed RM350 million flood mitigation project at Stampin Resettlement Scheme.

He said the project, first announced by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Nov 16, 2022, was further brought into motion with a kick-off meeting chaired by Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel on July 13, 2023.

“However, despite clear state-level commitment and funding allocation by the Sarawak GPS Government, the physical implementation of the project has yet to commence, much to the disappointment of the affected community,” he said in a statement.

Seeking to address the matter, Yap, accompanied by Penghulu Jakup Buan, Tuai Rumah Michael Mada, and representatives from the various village security and development committees, convened a crucial site meeting today with officers from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and their appointed consultant at the Stampin Resettlement Scheme.

“The engagement was held to scrutinise the progress of the RM350 million Flood Mitigation Project — a long-overdue initiative that has become a major source of anxiety and frustration for local residents,” he explained.

During the dialogue, Yap expressed deep concern over the slow pace of progress and conveyed the mounting frustration of residents who have endured repeated flash floods for years.

“This is not just about infrastructure; it is about the safety, health, and dignity of the people — especially the elderly and children — who are at constant risk during the rainy season,” he said.

He appealed to the DID and the consultant to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and expedite all remaining technical and planning processes so that work can proceed without further delay.

Yap stressed that effective flood mitigation is not a luxury but a vital obligation to the people.

“As their elected representative, I stand firmly with the residents of Stampin Resettlement Scheme. I urge all relevant authorities to redouble their efforts and uphold the trust placed in them by the community.

“It is my sincere hope that, through closer cooperation and commitment, this long-awaited project can finally be implemented in a timely manner,” he said.

Yap said the meeting ended with a clear consensus among local leaders and himself, calling for the prompt commencement of physical works so that residents may finally live in safety and dignity.

MELAKA: Sebuah gudang perabot di Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Rambai yang musnah 80 peratus dalam kebakaran malam tadi mengambil masa hampir lapan jam untuk dipadam sepenuhnya oleh pasukan bomba.

Menurut Timbalan Penguasa Bomba II, Mohd. Hafidzatullah Rashid yang juga Pegawai Perhubungan Awam Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) Melaka, kejadian dilaporkan berlaku pukul 9.45 malam dan pasukan bomba pertama tiba di lokasi kira-kira 10 minit kemudian.

Katanya, sebaik tiba di lokasi, bomba mendapati api sedang marak membakar hampir keseluruhan gudang kekal berkeluasan 200×300 kaki persegi.

“Berdasarkan laporan Komander Operasi, api telah merebak dengan cepat dan memusnahkan hampir 80 peratus struktur gudang tersebut dan operasi pemadaman segera digerakkan bagi mengelakkan api terus merebak ke premis berhampiran. 

“Operasi pemadaman membabitkan seramai 22 anggota dari Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Tangga Batu, BBP Cheng dan BBP Melaka Tengah dengan bantuan beberapa jentera termasuk FRT, LFRT, water tanker serta EMRS,” katanya kepada pemberita hari ini. 

Katanya, bomba turut menerima bantuan daripada beberapa agensi lain termasuk polis, TNB dan RELA untuk memadam kebakaran yang jarak lokasi kejadian dianggarkan sekitar lima kilometer dari balai utama.

Menurut Mohd. Hafidzatullah, operasi pemadaman diketuai oleh Pegawai Kanan Bomba, Mohd. Fazzil Yusof dan dikawal sepenuhnya pada pukul 1.13 pagi sebelum tamat sepenuhnya pada pukul 6.08 pagi.

“Tiada mangsa dilaporkan dalam kejadian ini dan tiada sebarang masalah operasi timbul semasa misi pemadaman dijalankan. Punca kebakaran dan jumlah kerugian masih dalam siasatan pihak forensik JBPM,” katanya. – UTUSAN

KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers affected by the April 1 gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights can now breathe a sigh of relief, as stable gas supply begins to be restored through temporary piping starting Tuesday (July 1).

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH), a temporary gas pipeline measuring approximately 210m in length has been installed to replace the pipe damaged in the incident.

In addition, to ensure maximum safety, several stringent tests were conducted, including non-destructive testing (NDT) on welded joints and a 24-hour pressure test.

It added that test results confirmed by DOSH and an independent third party showed no leakage or pressure drop.

It also said that Phase Two of the project will involve replacing three gas pipelines, each approximately 200m long, at the affected sites. These pipes will be laid on concrete slab structures to ensure long-term safety and durability.

"The engineering design for this phase is currently being finalised, with operations expected to commence in the third quarter of next year," it said.

In addition, several geotechnical studies, including soil mapping, rock layer analysis, and ground movement monitoring, have been conducted to ensure the overall stability of the installation site.

As an additional safety measure, PETRONAS has been instructed to provide real-time monitoring access to the pipe isolation valve system, enabling rapid closure in the event of an emergency.

The department also assured that all work will be closely monitored and conducted impartially to safeguard the safety of workers, residents, and nearby businesses.

"DOSH understands the urgent need for residents and businesses to have a safe and stable gas supply restored as soon as possible. We are committed to monitoring every stage of this project to ensure it is carried out responsibly and to restore consumer confidence in the safety of the gas pipeline system in the area," it added.

The April 1 fire incident caused 81 homes to be completely destroyed, with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, 81 homes partially damaged, 57 homes affected but not burned, and 218 homes left unaffected. - Bernama

JOHOR BAHRU - Pemilik tanah di kawasan kebakaran stor penyimpanan lori dan minyak enjin di Taman Perindustrian Kota Puteri, berhampiran Taman Megah Ria di sini, bakal dikenakan tindakan kerana membenarkan lima kilang beroperasi tanpa lesen.

Datuk Bandar Johor Bahru, Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad berkata, siasatan mendapati terdapat pelanggaran serius membabitkan undang-undang tanah, alam sekitar, keselamatan, pelesenan dan pengurusan sisa.

“MBJB ingin menegaskan bahawa setiap premis perusahaan wajib mendapatkan kelulusan daripada agensi berkaitan sebelum menjalankan sebarang aktiviti perniagaan atau perusahaan.

“Kegagalan mematuhi syarat yang ditetapkan bukan sahaja boleh dikenakan tindakan penguatkuasaan, malah turut mendatangkan risiko terhadap keselamatan nyawa dan harta benda,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika sidang akhbar selepas mempengerusikan Mesyuarat Penuh MBJB di Menara MBJB, di sini pada Selasa.

Pada 21 Jun lalu, lima premis terbakar dalam kejadian kebakaran industri melibatkan kawasan seluas kira-kira 1,000 meter persegi, yang turut memusnahkan 15 buah kenderaan.

Mengulas lanjut, Mohd Haffiz berkata, kelima-lima kilang yang terlibat beroperasi secara haram tanpa pelan pembangunan sah, selain hanya membabitkan struktur sementara seperti kabin dan bangsal.

Jelasnya, antara langkah segera yang diambil MBJB termasuk membina kolam takungan di kawasan kebakaran bagi mengelakkan minyak memasuki sistem saliran berhampiran serta menyediakan jengkaut bagi mengawal kebakaran di bawah timbunan sisa.

“Hasil pemantauan pada 23 Jun lalu mendapati sisa minyak di saliran dan longkang utama berkurangan selepas tindakan segera Jabatan Alam Sekitar (JAS) yang meletakkan 'absorbent pad' dan 'oil boom'.

“MBJB turut menyelaras kerja kutipan 'absorbent pad', pembersihan dan penyelenggaraan sisa minyak di kawasan terjejas.

“Sisa minyak itu kini disimpan sementara di Stor Penguat Kuasa Mount Austin sebelum dilupuskan di fasiliti yang ditetapkan JAS,” ujarnya.

Beliau turut memaklumkan bahawa satu pasukan petugas khas akan digerakkan bagi melaksanakan operasi pemutihan secara menyeluruh untuk mengesan kilang yang beroperasi secara haram serta gagal mematuhi peraturan berkaitan pengurusan sisa dan pembangunan.