Bintulu drainage system requires comprehensive upgrade to prevent flash floods

Residents and local officials in Bintulu are calling for a complete overhaul of the main drainage system to combat recurring flash floods. The issue is particularly severe when heavy rainfall coincides with high tide phenomena, causing water to overflow into residential areas.

Local resident Joseph Tie noted that while individual drains in his area have been widened and deepened, these localized upgrades have proven insufficient. He reported that his home has faced water overflow issues since 2015, with the situation worsening between 2022 and 2025 due to backflow and obstructions in the primary drainage network.

Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Mong has urged the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to conduct thorough inspections. These assessments should evaluate drainage capacity, water outlets, and the impact of high tides to ensure that both completed and ongoing projects effectively mitigate flood risks.