Chieng (centre) being briefed by Jian Kai (second from left) and Ethen (second from right) on the flood warning system they created.
Sibu residents can now get instant flood warning alert on their cellphones, thanks to two students who have invented a special flood monitoring device and application.
The duo Adam Ngieng Jian Kai, 17, and Ethen Lau Dee Hung, 14, of SMK Tung Hua have named their invention “Flash Guard System”.
“The system aims to help residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to determine the water level.
“It will notify residents about minor flash floods,” said Jian Kai to reporters when Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng paid the inventive duo a visit.
All that the public need to do is to download the app by scanning the app’s QR code using their handphone.
The QR code is placed at Jalan Merlin to allow users to find out about floods there and avoid driving in the area.
As part of the pilot phase of the project, tracking devices have been placed in three other locations, namely around SMK Tung Hua, SMK Sungai Merah and SMK Bandar Sibu.
Meanwhile Chieng, who was very impressed with the invention, praised the two teenagers for addressing residents’ concerns about floods and ensuring the public get notified about water levels.
“When the students came to me for support, I told them that theirs was a wonderful idea, especially since Bukit Assek has flooding issues.
“So with this, we will be able to detect it online,” he said.
He added that the students’ creation had development potential if proven effective and could even reach international markets.
When asked about the possibility of expanding the project to other flood-prone areas, Chieng said this would be considered.
“If this runs successfully, I may bring this to our Sibu Division Resident office so that we can instal it throughout the division,” he assured.
If the water level in the area rises, the people who have scanned the QR code will receive notifications through their Telegram app.
They can then avoid flood-prone areas during flash floods while nearby residents can monitor water levels in their neighbourhoods.
Chieng also hopes more young people will come up with creative ideas that can provide solutions through their school learning.
