KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has been urged to develop coastal reservoirs to not only mitigate floods but also strengthen water resource management.
Following the recent floods that hit the Penampang district, water engineers from the International Water Association (IWA) said existing flood control measures have proved to be insufficient, resulting in frequent disruptions, damage to infrastructure and economic consequences.
They said the coastal reservoir plan in Sabah was not just about flood control but also an investment combining flood storage, tidal defence and water resource management.
“This infrastructure not only safeguards communities but also fosters future development and economic well-being,” said engineers Lim Sim Poh and Amarjit Singh in a statement yesterday.
They noted that Penampang district in west coast Sabah is flood-prone and faces recurrent flooding due to a combination of heavy monsoon rain, tidal surges from the South China Sea and rapid urban expansion.
Amarjit and Lim, who are part of the Sustainable Coastal and Estuarine Development special group within the IWA, said the coastal reservoir will help tackle the persistent flooding issue in Penampang.
They proposed that the coastal reservoirs be situated downstream of the Moyog, Petagas and Putatan rivers before reaching the coast of South China Sea.
They will serve to capture floodwaters, combat seawater intrusion and provide an additional raw water source for the benefit of Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas, they added.
The engineers said by combining flood management with water resource utilisation, this project is positioned to enhance climate resilience, foster sustainable urban development, and contribute to the overall well-being of the region.
