Beaufort villages hit by flash floods

BEAUFORT: Several low lying areas in Kg Hulu Lingkungan were hit by flash floods following heavy rain on Monday evening.This caused hundreds of motorists being stranded between Beaufort – Sipitang since 4pm.

“The heavy rain continued for several hours causing flash floods in several areas especially in low lying areas,” a road user lamented.

Most affected is the stretch connecting Beaufort and Sipitang, namely Jalan Hulu Sipitang which is involved in the Pan Borneo Project.

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One road user, Mohammad Norizhuan Awang, said the problem is due to works being done by contractors’ on the Pan Borneo stretch.

“They failed to ensure safety aspects are complied with,” he said.

He said he uses the stretch every day to work from Sipitang to Beaufort, adding that flash floods will always happen whenever it rains heavily.

He described Monday’s flash flood as the worse as water rose up to one metre deep mixed with mud brought by the flood.

“This condition will surely endanger road users who are not only at risk of accidents but will also have to face damages on their vehicles,” he said.

He hoped continuous surveillance will be carried out by the authorities in ensuring that the contractors concerned comply with the stipulated regulations and procedures.

“I hope the authorities under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development can take appropriate action against those who fail to comply with the regulations and put the lives of road users in danger,” he said.

He also said repairs on potholes caused by earth laden lorries should also be done, adding that the roads shouldn’t be damage as it is the main route for those traveling between Beaufort and Sipitang as well as tourists from Brunei and Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Education and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob in a statement said he has contacted the Beaufort District Officer to look into the matter as soon as possible.

“I am aware of the people’s grievances, in fact actions and instructions have been carried out and I have contacted the main contractor, engineer and sub-contractor to address the issue,” he said.

He said the contractor should prioritise the safety of road users, adding that potholes should be repaired to prevent untoward incidents on motorists.

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“It will get worse if left unattended especially the old road, unless they can build the highway today and get it completed tomorrow,” he said.

Dr Yusof also said that the contractors should clear the road surface as it will be slippery and dangerous for motorist if the earth is left on the road.

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