State minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has called for an urgent reassessment of the state’s drainage and irrigation systems, warning that worsening climate conditions could bring even more severe disasters in the future.

Jeffrey, who oversees drainage and irrigation, said the existing system is struggling to cope with increasing rainfall, which has left thousands displaced.

“Our waterways and irrigation systems need upgrading because the volume of water is often more than what the drainage can handle,” he said. 

“We also need to reassess our entire planning system to take into account the changing weather patterns.”

His comments come as 5,617 people from 1,899 families have been evacuated to relief centres, making this one of the worst floods in Sabah in recent memory.

The situation is most severe in Kota Marudu, Pitas, Lahad Datu, and Telupid, where roads have been submerged, homes inundated, and families forced to flee to higher ground.

The numbers far exceed previous years. In January 2023, Sabah saw localized flooding, with only 187 evacuees recorded in Nabawan in March. In 2022, heavy rains in June inundated 401 square kilometers, but no reports indicated large-scale evacuations.

With thousands now displaced, the pressure is mounting on relief efforts, with temporary shelters filling up and authorities struggling to provide aid.

Calls for Long-Term Solutions

Kitingan said authorities are working to secure more water resources in flood-prone areas and emphasized the need for better river management.

“We also need to instill a stronger appreciation for our rivers,” he said.

With rain still falling and water levels rising, officials are closely monitoring the situation, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert. – January 31, 2025