The newly cleared and widened drainage channel at Sungai Tekam, designed to optimise water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.

SARIKEI (Dec 31): The drainage improvement works at Sungai Tekam have been completed, said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarikei Division.

According to the department, the upgraded drainage system is now functioning more efficiently, allowing smoother water flow and significantly reducing the risk of flooding.

A site inspection was conducted on Monday by representatives from the Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii’s Service Centre, together with officers from the DID Sarikei, to review the recently completed drainage cleaning works at Sungai Tekam.

Huang, who is also Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, reaffirmed the government’s continuous commitment to strengthening basic infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and local communities.

He stressed that ongoing site visits are vital to ensure drainage and irrigation issues are identified comprehensively and addressed effectively based on the actual needs of residents.

“This ground-level approach also ensures that project planning and implementation are carried out in a more organised and impactful manner,” he said.

As part of the programme, Huang’s service team and DID Sarikei officers also conducted inspections at several rural and suburban locations around Bintangor to assess existing infrastructure and drainage systems.

Among the areas visited were Jalan Ming Chiang, Jalan Muhibah, Jalan Dak Sieng, and Rumah Stephen Anak Senen in Sungai Gemuan.

The inspections aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the drainage systems and their impact on safety, daily mobility and the well-being of the local community.

Huang said information, observations and feedback gathered from the site visits and engagements with residents will be used as key input for future planning and improvement measures, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for the people.

Funded through an allocation from the DID Sarikei, drainage cleaning and maintenance works were also carried out in rural areas of Bintangor to address issues such as stagnant water, clogged waterways and previously non-functional drains.

During the visit, Wong Soon Mee, who represented Huang, also witnessed the formal handover of the project completion documents.

Residents who benefited from the initiative expressed their appreciation, noting that the upgraded drainage system has improved water flow efficiency and helped reduce flash flooding and water stagnation, especially during the rainy season.