FLOODING has become an increasingly serious concern in Papar, Kinarut and many other parts of Sabah. Every rainy season, residents face anxiety whenever heavy rain begins to fall.
Roads become submerged, homes are affected, drainage systems overflow and daily activities are disrupted.
While heavy rainfall may be unavoidable, many believe that the impact of flooding could be significantly reduced if rivers and waterways were properly maintained throughout the year.
Across Sabah, there is growing concern over poorly maintained rivers, clogged drainage systems, illegal dumping and the lack of consistent preventive action.
Many rivers have become shallow, narrow, and polluted with rubbish, mud, debris, overgrown vegetation and fallen trees.
Instead of functioning as efficient waterways that safely channel excess rainwater to the sea, some rivers can no longer cope with large volumes of water during heavy downpours.
As a result, water overflows quickly into nearby residential areas, roads, villages and low-lying lands.
This situation did not happen overnight. Years of silt accumulation, erosion, illegal dumping, and inadequate maintenance have gradually reduced the capacity of rivers to handle strong water flow.
Rivers that were once deeper and wider are now increasingly restricted, causing water to move more slowly during prolonged rain.
Residents are frustrated because floods continue to occur repeatedly, yet visible preventive maintenance often appears inconsistent or delayed.
Many believe river maintenance should not only happen after floods occur but should become a continuous and proactive effort throughout the year.
One of the most important measures authorities should prioritise is regular dredging and desilting.
Removing accumulated silt and sediment would help rivers carry larger volumes of water more effectively. Widening and deepening narrow sections of rivers could also improve water flow and reduce bottlenecks that contribute to flooding.
Equally important is the regular removal of rubbish, debris, fallen branches, weeds and other pollutants that obstruct waterways.
In some areas, illegal dumping has become a major contributor to blocked rivers and drains. When waste accumulates, water movement becomes restricted, especially during storms and periods of continuous rainfall. The problem is further worsened when drainage systems connected to rivers are also poorly maintained.
Even if rivers are partially cleared, blocked drains can still prevent water from flowing efficiently. Flood prevention therefore requires a coordinated maintenance system involving rivers, drains, irrigation canals and surrounding waterways.
Many residents strongly believe such maintenance work should be carried out during dry periods, when river levels are lower and operations can be conducted more safely and efficiently.
During dry weather, machinery can access riverbeds more easily, dredging work becomes faster, and maintenance crews can operate more effectively.
Waiting until the rainy season arrives often makes such operations more difficult and costly. In many cases, emergency action is only taken after floods have already affected communities. By then, the damage, inconvenience and public suffering have already occurred.
Preventive maintenance is always more effective than reactive measures. Flooding affects far more than just property. It disrupts livelihoods, damages homes, creates traffic congestion, affects businesses, destroys crops, and poses health risks.
Families may be forced to evacuate, school activities may be interrupted, and contaminated floodwaters can spread disease and pollution into residential areas.
Environmental damage is another serious concern. Polluted rivers filled with rubbish not only contribute to flooding but also harm aquatic ecosystems and reduce water quality. Rivers should be protected as valuable natural resources, not treated as dumping grounds.
At the same time, public responsibility must also be emphasised. Authorities alone cannot solve the problem if irresponsible dumping into rivers and drains continues unchecked.
Some individuals continue throwing rubbish into waterways without considering the long-term consequences, worsening floods and creating additional burdens for maintenance teams. However, enforcement and public awareness campaigns must go hand in hand with proper infrastructure maintenance.
Residents are more likely to cooperate when they see authorities taking visible and consistent action to maintain rivers, drains and public cleanliness.
Local councils, drainage departments, and relevant agencies should therefore strengthen long-term flood prevention efforts through:
- Regular river dredging and desilting
- Widening and deepening rivers where necessary
- Continuous removal of rubbish and debris from waterways
- Improving drainage systems connected to rivers
- Monitoring and enforcing action against illegal dumping
- Conducting maintenance work during dry periods before the rainy season
- Increasing public awareness on protecting rivers and drains
The people of Papar, Kinarut, and communities across Sabah are not asking for miracles. They simply want practical preventive measures that can reduce flooding and improve public safety.
Clean, deep and free-flowing rivers are essential not only for flood control but also for environmental protection and community well-being.
If proper maintenance is consistently carried out throughout the year, especially during dry seasons, many flooding problems could potentially be reduced before heavy rains arrive.
Prevention, preparation and regular maintenance remain far more effective and far less costly than repeatedly dealing with flood disasters after they occur.
Ultimately, protecting rivers means protecting communities. Clean and properly maintained waterways are not luxuries; they are necessities for the safety, health and future of the people.
Situl is a Senior Editor at Daily Express
The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my
