Tiong (right) inspects the red zone areas affected by rising waters in Sungai Plan following recent floods. – Photo via Facebook/Datuk Seri Tiong King

BINTULU (Dec 30): Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has directed government agencies to produce a comprehensive and practical improvement plan for the Sungai Plan flood mitigation programme within one month, following recent floods caused by heavy rainfall.

During a visit to several identified ‘red zone’ areas, where water levels reportedly reached up to three feet in some locations, he emphasised the need for swift and coordinated action ahead of Chinese New Year 2026.

“I have made it clear that Sungai Plan must be dredged using excavators and properly cleared to restore its original drainage and flood-retention capacity,” the Bintulu MP said in a Facebook post.

Since the affected land falls under multiple authorities, Tiong instructed the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Land and Survey Department, the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to form a cross-department task force.

One agency will be appointed to lead coordination efforts, including identifying the causes of blockages, defining river reserve boundaries, outlining roles and responsibilities, and determining the technical approach for dredging works.

Tiong also issued a stern warning to factories and warehouses encroaching on drainage or river reserves, insisting that illegal structures be removed immediately.

Those who fail to comply will face enforcement action by the Land and Survey Department under the law.

“I cannot accept situations where government land is illegally occupied, drainage is blocked, floods keep happening and the public suffers while the government is blamed,” he said.

Meanwhile, BDA has instructed contractors to begin clearing drainage channels, with work now underway. The clean-up is expected to take about three weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Tiong said he will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure the measures remain on track, improving drainage efficiency and reducing the risk of sudden flooding.