Surveying the area: Bung (centre) boarding a boat near Kinabatangan.
KOTA KINABALU: Village settlements close to Sungai Kinabatangan should be moved to higher ground to prevent them from being affected by the recurring flood problems, says Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
He urged the district council to push ahead with the proposal to move residents away from the riverbanks.
“I have proposed for a new settlement for residents living near Sungai Kinabatangan, I hope that the district council will take measures to carry out the plans,” he said during a visit to flood victims at Kampung Pengkalan Bukit Garam in the district yesterday.
He also gave out aid to families from about 50 households from the village.
Bung Moktar said Kampung Pengkalan Bukit Garam, which sits close to the river, was one of the villages that would be severely affected whenever floods occurred.
“This situation not only affects their livelihood but also poses a threat to their safety every time it floods,” he said
“I have suggested that a new settlement be created to house the residents in this area.
Underwater: An aerial shot from Feb 2 showing floods submerging a village along Sungai Kinabatangan
“However, the residents are not keen on the idea of moving to the new location.
“There is still a need to move people to a safer area. I hope that the district office can identify a suitable place for the resettlement of the villagers involved.
“We also hope that the state government will provide assistance to help these people,” he added.
The floods in Sabah, which affected eight districts over the past three weeks, have improved gradually.
Only a total of 46 people are remaining at temporary shelters in Beaufort district as at noon yesterday, said the Civil Defence Force.
