KUCHING, Sept 4 2026: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is taking further action to address recurring flash floods in the city centre, particularly along Jalan Padungan, Jalan Chan Chin Ann and Jalan Abell.
MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng said the council understood the concerns and frustrations of residents, business operators and road users who are affected whenever heavy rainfall causes flash floods in these areas.
“We hear the concerns of the public, and we see the problems on the ground. MBKS is not ignoring the situation. We are doing our best, within our responsibilities and available resources, to find practical and long-term solutions to reduce the impact of flash floods,” he said.
He added that the proposed flood mitigation works along Jalan Padungan and Jalan Chan Chin Ann are aimed at improving the capacity and efficiency of the existing drainage system, which currently faces limitations in handling high volumes of stormwater during intense rainfall.
Wee explained that flood mitigation in an established and busy city centre is not as simple as enlarging a drain.
He said that existing roads, buildings, footpaths and underground utility services must all be taken into consideration before works can proceed.
“This is an old and developed part of the city. Whatever improvement we carry out must be properly planned because there are existing utilities, roads, businesses and properties surrounding the area.
“We want to make sure that what we do is effective and provides a lasting improvement, rather than simply shifting the flooding problem from one location to another,” he said.
The proposed works include the construction of approximately 200 metres of additional reinforced concrete box drain measuring 1.2 metres wide by 1.2 metres deep, together with survey works, relocation of existing utility services where necessary, reinstatement of affected roads and footpaths, and appropriate traffic and safety management measures.
The new drainage infrastructure is intended to increase the capacity of the drainage network to accommodate higher stormwater discharge and provide a more reliable drainage system for the surrounding area.
Wee stressed that MBKS does not regard the proposed project as the end of its flood mitigation efforts.
“We cannot control how much rain falls or when a severe thunderstorm occurs, but we can continue to strengthen our drainage infrastructure and improve the city’s ability to respond. Wherever there are weaknesses, we will continue to study them and, where necessary, plan for improvements,” he said.
According to him, once the consultant has finalised the necessary plans and technical documentation for the proposed flood mitigation works, MBKS will proceed with the tender process for the implementation of the project.
The mayor also sought the understanding of the public and business community once construction begins, as temporary traffic arrangements and minor inconvenience may be unavoidable, with necessary measures coordinated to minimise disruption to road users and surrounding businesses.
“Flood mitigation cannot be solved overnight, especially in an established urban area. But that does not mean we stop trying. MBKS will continue to do what we can, step by step, area by area, to improve our drainage system and reduce the impact of flooding.
“Our responsibility is to keep improving. We want the people to know that MBKS is listening, MBKS is taking action, and MBKS will continue working towards a safer, more resilient and liveable Kuching South,” he said.
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