SANDAKAN: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI) today called on the Sabah State Government, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the Public Works Department (JKR), and the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) to prioritize immediate flood mitigation measures across Sandakan’s chronic flood hotspots ahead of the seasonal monsoon.
Sandakan Zone Coordinator and Central Committee Member Madam Chen Li Foon highlighted the heightened risk of flash floods affecting several high-risk areas as seasonal heavy downpours approach.
While acknowledging the long-term infrastructure projects undertaken by state and local authorities—including the Sungai Anip Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB Sungai Anip)—and expressing appreciation for ongoing routine maintenance work, Chen emphasized that targeted, proactive action must be taken immediately to mitigate flood risks in vulnerable hotspots before heavy rainfall causes widespread damage.
She stressed that effective flood prevention measures must be implemented in the most vulnerable zones well before water levels begin to rise.
Chen specifically identified several high-risk zones, including low-lying residential neighborhoods such as Taman Mawar, Taman Merpati, Taman Fajar, and settlements along the Mile 7 corridor, where runoff from surrounding high ground frequently overwhelms local drainage capacity.
She also highlighted critical traffic arteries along Jalan Utara (Mile 1 to Mile 3)—particularly near the Duchess of Kent Hospital—and the Bulatan Helang (Eagle Roundabout) at Mile 7, where severe water pooling paralyzes daily commutes and impedes emergency response services.
Furthermore, she noted that residential and commercial areas surrounding the Sungai Anip basin and downstream settlements face compounded risks when monsoon downpours coincide with high tides.
Chen urged state and municipal authorities to immediately clear and upgrade drainage capacity in known hotspots—notably Taman Mawar, Taman Merpati, and the Mile 7 corridor—to maximize efficiency ahead of prolonged heavy rains.
She urged the authorities to expedite engineering works on the RTB Sungai Anip project and speed up arterial drainage upgrades along Jalan Utara.
Chen called for enhanced real-time operational coordination among JPS, JKR, and MPS to conduct pre-monsoon site audits and fast-track emergency repair requests reported by residents in flood-prone communities.
Chen concluded by reaffirming that Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri Sandakan is speaking out to safeguard vulnerable communities in high-risk areas. She reiterated that continuous, targeted action must be intensified across these locations to protect lives, property, and local livelihoods throughout the upcoming monsoon season.
