SUPP Bintulu secretary Paul Yong Khim Kee told reporters here yesterday that preliminary measures had already been taken by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to tackle the problems.

"In the case of SK Sebiew, the DID had noted the urgency to solve the problem and had taken immediate measures to develop facilities to improve water flow in the areas, " he added.

The immediate works include improving the monsoon drain through the laying of additional culverts near the school as well as near Jalan Tun Hussein Onn and to be linked directly to the nearby Sungai Sebiew.

Yong initiated a survey in the area concerned following complaints by residents there of the frequent flash floods.

DID divisional officer Ting Sing Kwong decided the immediate measure, apart from engaging a consultant to carry out a comprehensive study of the area and to come up with permanent flood mitigation strategy.

In the case of flash floods at Sungai Plan Housing Area, Yong said BDA had identified the cause and had already taken the necessary steps to improve the drainage systems in the area.

"I hope these efforts would be able to alleviate the flash flood problems that had caused unnecessary difficulties to the residents," he added. END/BP