BINTULU (Dec 30): Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has directed government agencies to produce a comprehensive and practical improvement plan for the Sungai Plan flood mitigation programme within one month, following recent floods caused by heavy rainfall.

During a visit to several identified ‘red zone’ areas, where water levels reportedly reached up to three feet in some locations, he emphasised the need for swift and coordinated action ahead of Chinese New Year 2026.

“I have made it clear that Sungai Plan must be dredged using excavators and properly cleared to restore its original drainage and flood-retention capacity,” the Bintulu MP said in a Facebook post.

Since the affected land falls under multiple authorities, Tiong instructed the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Land and Survey Department, the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to form a cross-department task force.

One agency will be appointed to lead coordination efforts, including identifying the causes of blockages, defining river reserve boundaries, outlining roles and responsibilities, and determining the technical approach for dredging works.

Tiong also issued a stern warning to factories and warehouses encroaching on drainage or river reserves, insisting that illegal structures be removed immediately.

Those who fail to comply will face enforcement action by the Land and Survey Department under the law.

“I cannot accept situations where government land is illegally occupied, drainage is blocked, floods keep happening and the public suffers while the government is blamed,” he said.

Meanwhile, BDA has instructed contractors to begin clearing drainage channels, with work now underway. The clean-up is expected to take about three weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Tiong said he will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure the measures remain on track, improving drainage efficiency and reducing the risk of sudden flooding.

SERIAN (Dec 31): As Sarawakians prepare to usher in the New Year 2026, many are pausing to reflect on 2025 — a year marked by personal challenges and moments that tested resilience and reshaped perspectives.

For Mohd Zulamirul Asyraf Zakaria, a barista, 2025 was a test that pushed him to start from scratch and step beyond his comfort zone, drawing inspiration from his father’s perseverance.

“I tried multiple jobs — from running a small online crocheting business to brewing tea — just to keep going,” he told The Borneo Post on Tuesday.

Through the experience, Mohd Zulamirul gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices adults make to earn a living.

“I finally began to grasp the weight of responsibility in providing for a family. The relentless effort, sacrifices and endurance it takes to put food on the table,” he added.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mohd Zulamirul said his focus is on securing safer living conditions for his family, whose home in Kampung Hulu is located in a flood-prone area.

Recurring monsoon floods have strengthened his goal to apply for a housing loan so his family would no longer need temporary shelter during emergencies.

“It is time for me to give back. I want to ensure their comfort and safety. That is my responsibility now,” he said.

Describing the year as ‘emotionally demanding’, Atiesha Hazwani, an assistant environmental health trainee, said 2025 required her to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being.

“Some days felt like a roller coaster. There were moments I wanted to give up, but I learned that patience is built through hardship. Those difficult days taught me resilience and maturity,” she said.

Looking to the new year, Atiesha said her priority is mental peace and emotional stability, which she believes are essential for navigating future challenges.

She also hopes to spend more quality time with her mother and sister, whom she described as her main pillars of support.

Meanwhile, Lyra Cassia Menon, an assistant hotel duty manager, described 2025 as a steady but grounding year — marked by stability rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

She said the year underscored the importance of prioritising personal well-being and family amid work demands.

“Nothing extraordinary happened, but it made me realise what truly matters — being present for myself and spending time with my family. As we grow older, those moments become more valuable,” she said.

Lyra expressed hope to strengthen her financial discipline while working towards her aspiration of travelling abroad.

“Exploring the world is a dream, but it requires careful planning and discipline. I want to be more responsible with my finances,” she added.

As 2025 draws to a close, leaving behind lessons shaped not only by major events but by everyday perseverance and quiet personal growth, the arrival of 2026 signals a fresh chapter to move forward with clearer direction.

SARIKEI (Dec 31): The drainage improvement works at Sungai Tekam have been completed, said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarikei Division.

According to the department, the upgraded drainage system is now functioning more efficiently, allowing smoother water flow and significantly reducing the risk of flooding.

A site inspection was conducted on Monday by representatives from the Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii’s Service Centre, together with officers from the DID Sarikei, to review the recently completed drainage cleaning works at Sungai Tekam.

Huang, who is also Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, reaffirmed the government’s continuous commitment to strengthening basic infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and local communities.

He stressed that ongoing site visits are vital to ensure drainage and irrigation issues are identified comprehensively and addressed effectively based on the actual needs of residents.

“This ground-level approach also ensures that project planning and implementation are carried out in a more organised and impactful manner,” he said.

As part of the programme, Huang’s service team and DID Sarikei officers also conducted inspections at several rural and suburban locations around Bintangor to assess existing infrastructure and drainage systems.

Among the areas visited were Jalan Ming Chiang, Jalan Muhibah, Jalan Dak Sieng, and Rumah Stephen Anak Senen in Sungai Gemuan.

The inspections aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the drainage systems and their impact on safety, daily mobility and the well-being of the local community.

Huang said information, observations and feedback gathered from the site visits and engagements with residents will be used as key input for future planning and improvement measures, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for the people.

Funded through an allocation from the DID Sarikei, drainage cleaning and maintenance works were also carried out in rural areas of Bintangor to address issues such as stagnant water, clogged waterways and previously non-functional drains.

During the visit, Wong Soon Mee, who represented Huang, also witnessed the formal handover of the project completion documents.

Residents who benefited from the initiative expressed their appreciation, noting that the upgraded drainage system has improved water flow efficiency and helped reduce flash flooding and water stagnation, especially during the rainy season.

SHAH ALAM: Sasaran sifar banjir di negeri ini tidak mustahil untuk dicapai namun berdepan cabaran seperti kos pembinaan tebatan atau ban yang tinggi serta cuaca tidak menentu dan ekstrem.

Exco Infrastruktur dan Pertanian Selangor, Datuk Izham Hashim berkata, bagaimanapun keseluruhan tebatan banjir berjumlah RM4 bilion di seluruh negeri sedang dilaksanakan melibatkan jangka panjang, sederhana, pendek dan segera.

“Sasaran sifar banjir boleh diletakkan sebagai hala tuju pengurusan bencana negeri dengan kita melaksanakan kesemua projek-projek tebatan banjir namun ia perlu berterusan kerana akhirnya kita maklum bencana bukan kawalan kita.

“Bagaimanapun, ketika ini kesemua projek tebatan banjir sedang berjalan seperti dirancang. Ia bukan pembinaan yang boleh siap dalam tempoh satu atau enam bulan tetapi memakan masa sehingga tiga tahun,” katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia.

Semalam, akhbar ini melaporkan, Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah bertitah ahli-ahli politik supaya fokus bekerja menyelesaikan masalah rakyat termasuk meletakkan sasaran sifar banjir dalam menangani bencana tersebut.

Baginda menegaskan, segala tenaga dan fikiran ditumpukan kepada usaha membina pembangunan yang nyata agar rakyat dapat hidup lebih selesa, terpelihara kebajikannya dan dilindungi oleh sistem yang adil dan berkesan.

Sultan Selangor bertitah, masalah seperti banjir sudah berlarutan terlalu lama dan ia perlu ditangani secara tuntas dengan sasaran yang jelas iaitu zero flood.

Izham berkata, ketika ini banyak projek-projek tebatan banjir jangka pendek dan segera memberi kesan meminimumkan risiko banjir seperti di Taman Sri Muda di sini serta Taman Mutiara, Bukit Raja dan Sungai Kandis di Klang.

“Projek tebatan banjir yang siap baru-baru ini mula menunjukkan kesan seperti pembinaan ban dan penyelenggaraan saliran air dan tebing sungai di Sungai Kandis menyebabkan kawasan itu tidak lagi dilanda bah. Begitu juga kolam takungan air di Taman Mutiara, ia masih belum siap tetapi kawasan itu tidak lagi banjir apabila hujan lebat.

“Kemudian di Taman Sri Muda, pembinaan ban di Sungai Klang dan projek tebatan banjir serta naik taraf pintu air di Sungai Rasau juga mengurangkan kesan akibat banjir. Tetapi, masih ada projek tebatan yang sedang berjalan dijangka menyelesaikan masalah itu di sana,” ujarnya.-UTUSAN.