More than 100 residents of Kampung Kohizan are facing worsening floods, a problem that began after the construction of Pintas Avenue and its flawed drainage system.

A Warisan representative Pritchard Gumbaris said the flooding has grown more severe due to poor urban water management.

“When Pintas Avenue was built, drainage was constructed alongside its retaining wall, but there’s no proper outlet,” he explained. “So, every time it rains, the water collects in the drains and overflows into Kg Kohizan.”

Residents have lodged complaints with authorities for years, urging action to prevent the floods. 

The Penampang District Council (MPP) has proposed constructing an earth drain to redirect water, but progress has stalled as negotiations with an adjacent landowner for consent continue.

“So far, MPP has yet to engage the landowner directly,” said Gumbaris. “While waiting for approval, the least that can be done is clearing the drainage near the culvert inlet to reduce the overflow.”

Beyond the damage to homes, the stagnant floodwaters have created breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes and rat urine contamination, increasing the risk of dengue and leptospirosis.

“The flooding is mainly affecting residential areas,” he added. “There are no local businesses impacted, but the health risks are serious.”

Gumbaris stressed that a long-term solution is needed to prevent future floods.

“To prevent future floods, we need a proper and efficient drainage outlet to Parit Juta,” he said.

Despite the ongoing crisis, political leaders have remained silent on the issue.

“We are not aware of any action taken by the state assemblyman or political appointees in MPP and UPPM,” he said. “But the JKKK and UPPM are supposed to serve the community.”

For now, more than 100 people in Kg Kohizan remain vulnerable, hoping that authorities will act before the next heavy rain turns their homes into flood zones once again. – February 10, 2025.