Businesses and road users along Jalan Padungan and Jalan Chan Chin Ann face temporary construction disruption as MBKS upgrades drainage in the flood-prone commercial area. The RM1.45 million project is expected to run until June 2027. Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng handed the site to contractor Liscorp Services on Oct 20, according to DayakDaily’s Oct 21 report. About 200 metres of additional reinforced-concrete box drains, each 1.2 metres wide and 1.2 metres deep, are planned to improve stormwater flow through the existing network. The work also covers affected utility services and reinstatement of roads and footpaths. For people visiting or operating shops in the area, the immediate issue is access during construction. MBKS warned of possible traffic diversions, access restrictions, noise and dust, and said the public would be informed about work and necessary traffic arrangements. These are potential disruptions over the construction period, not a blanket road-closure announcement. The council also cautioned that better drains will not eliminate flooding altogether. Rainfall intensity, tides, river levels and upstream discharge can still affect conditions. June 2027 is the expected construction endpoint; it is not a promise that Padungan will become flood-free.

A Sibu study is examining how Sarawak’s stormwater-management requirements can be applied to developments on soft ground. The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak brought agencies, councils, developers and engineering professionals together at Wisma Sanyan to discuss compliance with the Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management guidelines, known as SUStoM. Their technical feedback will inform the study. SUStoM already forms part of development control. It covers planning submissions, earthworks and erosion-and-sediment control, followed by stormwater engineering plans. The Sibu discussion concerns how those requirements work under local ground conditions, rather than an announced exemption from drainage standards. Complete technical submissions and timely assessments were among the priorities raised. For developers and surrounding neighbourhoods, the issue links approval efficiency with drainage and flood protection. The latest statement did not announce revised requirements or a date for adopting any changes.

Miri’s retention ponds need a regular cleaning programme after aquatic growth, rubbish and sediment were flagged as risks to water flow and flood mitigation. The Department of Irrigation and Drainage was asked to schedule more frequent maintenance after recent cleaning at a pond along Jalan Ilmu near Desa Senadin. Water hyacinths and other plants covering the pond have been cleared, but they can grow back quickly. Floating rubbish entering through nearby drains was also raised as a concern. A RM3 million allocation has been approved for drainage maintenance and upgrading in Senadin, including Desa Senadin, Tudan and Permyjaya. The suggestion that some ponds may need cleaning as often as every two months is not a confirmed timetable. The current update is a maintenance call, not a new flood warning. The next useful checkpoint for residents will be whether a recurring cleaning schedule is published before the next period of heavy rain.

Residents at Ing Liing Residence in Bintulu say recurring flash floods are leaving mud, soil and debris around their homes. [image: 1784779576181-bintulu-flood-mud.jpg] Several residents told The Borneo Post the problem has been going on for years, but has become worse after nearby land was converted into a durian farm. They said the floodwater used to be clearer. Now, after heavy rain, it carries mud, soil and wood debris into the housing area. Residents want a long-term fix Resident Sheyha Entik said complaints had been lodged with the Bintulu Development Authority, but residents were told action could not be taken against the durian farm owner because the land is privately owned. Another homeowner, Ting Liong Hung, said the flooding has become more frequent this year, with more than five incidents recorded so far. She said mud left behind after the water recedes affects parking spaces, driveways and daily routines, including work and school trips. Residents are asking the authorities to review drainage, carry out regular desilting, and make sure nearby development does not push the problem back onto the housing area. Location: Ing Liing Residence, Bintulu Details: Recurring flash floods; residents say mud and debris remain after rain Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Two drainage upgrade projects worth over RM800,000 are now underway in Batu Kawa to reduce flash flood problems. [image: 1783742601204-drainage.jpg] Source: DayakDaily What is being upgraded The works cover RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, with completion targeted for August and October 2026 respectively. According to DayakDaily, the RPR Batu Kawa project will upgrade front and rear drains in phases. Roads along the affected lanes will be resurfaced after the drainage work is completed. Why residents should care Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the upgrades are needed because rapid development, heavier rainfall and older drainage systems have made flash flood issues harder to manage. He also warned contractors to keep to schedule, saying action including blacklisting can be taken if obligations are not met. Location: RPR Batu Kawa Lorong 6 and Jalan Field Force, Batu Kawa Details: Over RM800,000 drainage upgrade, targeted completion in August and October 2026 Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?