PETALING JAYA: Bintulu has been hit with severe floods due to continuous rain, with water levels nearly reaching the second floor of residential areas.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said continuous rain for three days had left many stranded in their homes.
“After three days and two nights of relentless heavy rain, Bintulu has been severely inundated, with widespread flooding affecting numerous areas. In the worst-hit locations, water levels have risen to nearly the second floor of residential buildings,” said Tiong in a Facebook post on Thursday (Jan 30).
He said many flood victims, particularly the elderly, women, and children, have been left stranded in their homes, waiting to be rescued.
“I am immensely grateful to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) for promptly activating its 24-hour emergency response mechanism.
“Through close coordination with the Resident’s Office, the relevant authorities—including the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia Civil Defence Department, the military, and the police—have been swiftly mobilised to carry out rescue and relief efforts in affected areas,” Tiong said.
Later while speaking to reporters at the sideline of a Chinese New Year open house organised by his party in Dudong on Thursday (Jan 30), Tiong said funds have been made available for disaster relief.
"The fund is handled by the state Disaster Management (committee). The money is there. No problem with that," said he said.
The minister on addressing flooding in the district said additional personnel from the Fire and Rescue Departments in Sibu, Miri, Labuan, and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) have been mobilised to assist in disaster relief efforts.
“They departed overnight and are expected to arrive in Bintulu tomorrow (Friday (Jan 21). Meanwhile, two speedboats from the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Central Region Disaster Relief Task Force will also be deployed to support rescue operations.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to Sarawak Deputy Premier and SDMC Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, as well as all rescue personnel and relief teams. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the members of the PDP and the P217 Bintulu Service Centre team for stepping up in this crucial moment,” he added.
On the issue of the flood, Tiong said flaws in Bintulu’s drainage system have prevented Sungai Sibiew from effectively discharging excess water, causing a rapid surge in river levels.
He further said the strong currents have complicated rescue operations, increasing risks for both victims and responders.
“The worst-affected areas are clearly those surrounding Sungai Sibiew, which is a direct consequence of the long-overdue deepening and widening of the riverbed, “ he said.
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