BEAUFORT: Newly-appointed Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Star) Acting Division Chief for Beaufort Jin Tze Vun called on the State Government to adopt hydraulic sand pumping techniques to address the district’s flooding issues.
The sand accumulation in the Padas River over the years has significantly reduced the river’s capacity, which has heightened the risk of flooding during heavy rain.
“The build-up of sand and sediment in the Padas River has been ongoing for decades, compromising its ability to handle large volumes of water.
“By removing the accumulated sand, we can deepen the river, increasing its capacity to hold water and mitigating flood risks in surrounding areas,” he said.
He said flooding has caused significant damage in Beaufort and surrounding districts and that current flood management measures have proven inadequate and urged the government to consider alternative solutions to better protect residents.
“Hydraulic sand pumping uses high-pressure water or air to turn sediment into a slurry, which is then pumped out through pipelines to designated locations,” he said.
Jin emphasized that this technique would be less disruptive than traditional dredging, offering a more precise and environmentally controlled method of flood prevention.
“We need a proactive approach to flood mitigation, and hydraulic sand pumping could be a key part of that strategy.
“The Padas River is vital to the local community, and deepening it could provide much-needed relief during flood seasons.”
Jin also urged the State government to expedite the approval process for qualified contractors, stressing the importance of safety, environmental protection and effective flood management in the planning of the project.
