KOTA MARUDU: A paved road and a bridge at Kampung Sungoi Laut, here, were destroyed during a flash flood resembling a “headwater” surge that swept through the village on Sunday, rendering passage by vehicles difficult.
According to Kota Marudu District Officer Meirin Sugara, the affected area was visited on Monday by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, who is also Bandau Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap.
Meirin said severe damage was recorded, including the collapse of a bridge, destruction of the paved road, one house that collapsed and was swept away, four houses inundated by floodwaters and damage to a tourism centre.
She said immediate assistance proposed include clean-up operations by the Civil Defence Force (APM) and the distribution of kitchen equipment by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
Maijol said the flash flood affected two villages with an estimated 300 residents from Kg Sungoi Laut and Kg Sungoi Darat impacted.
He said vehicles are unable to pass through due to the damaged bridge and road.
“We visited the affected houses, including one that was swept away. I will look into including it under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) housing assistance scheme,” he said.
Maijol said attention is also needed for the badly damaged road.
He clarified that the affected road falls under the jurisdiction of the District Council and not the Public Works Department (JKR). He has contacted the Director of JKR Sabah to discuss repairs.
“I was informed that the flood situation in Sabah does not only involve Kota Marudu or Bandau, but other districts as well. Data is currently being collected on the affected areas and estimated repair costs,” he said.
Maijol said he would also apply to the Ministry of Finance for a special allocation to address flood-related damage and road repairs.
Flood mitigation, he said, requires substantial funding as Kota Marudu frequently experiences flooding.
He stressed that collaboration between the State and Federal Governments is crucial in addressing flood issues in Sabah and called for the collected data and proposals to be implemented without delay.
