The lack of proper drainage maintenance is a key factor behind the recurring flash floods in Sabah’s most densely populated districts, said Parti Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking.
He said clogged drains—choked with debris and overgrown vegetation—have led to frequent overflows in Sepanggar, Putatan, Penampang, and Kota Kinabalu, even after short bursts of heavy rainfall.
Approximately 761,200 people resides in these three districts.
Leiking pointed to the condition of major drainage systems, such as the monsoon drain known as “Parit Juta,” as a sign of neglect.
“The water is stagnant, black, and foul-smelling—this clearly indicates a lack of maintenance,” he said.
Leiking said residents in flood-prone areas have consistently raised concerns that the unmaintained drainage systems are the root cause of the problem.
“In most cases, we find this to be true. When our party’s division leaders visit flood-hit locations, residents express frustration that their homes and businesses keep getting inundated despite repeated calls for action,” he said.
The persistent flooding, he warned, is not only disrupting daily life but also affecting the state’s economy.
“In the 2010s, office workers in Kota Kinabalu would stay past 5 pm to complete their tasks. Now, they rush home early to avoid getting caught in traffic congestion caused by flooding,” he said.
He also cautioned that prolonged exposure to floodwaters could weaken building structures, leading to long-term damage from rust and termite infestations.
Leiking called on the government to review all drainage maintenance contracts and ensure that contractors are fulfilling their responsibilities.
“For transparency, the government must disclose which contractors are responsible for drainage upkeep and whether they are doing their jobs,” he said.
He also criticised the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration for repeatedly blaming heavy rainfall and high tides for the flash floods.
“The public is losing faith in the government’s ability to manage urban infrastructure. While monsoon rains are inevitable, leaders must implement innovative solutions to mitigate their impact,” he said.
Leiking urged the government to explore whether Sabah’s drainage systems need upgrading to cope with climate change-induced rainfall patterns or if additional stormwater retention measures, such as lagoons, should be considered.
“With all the government’s resources, expertise, and access to ground data, there is no reason why predictive flood scenario planning has not been implemented,” he said.
He added that the government has an immediate responsibility to clear clogged drainage systems and explain why maintenance efforts have been lacking, particularly in critical areas like “Parit Juta.” – February 2, 2025
