KOTA KINABALU: Sabah needs to spend RM301mil to tackle perennial flooding in northern Kota Marudu and Pitas districts which were among the worst-hit in the latest flooding.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said funds were needed to carry out dredging, broadening, putting up bunds and installing flood control gates at Sg Bandau, Sg Bongon, Sg Tandek and Sg Rasak.

       He said these were long-term solutions to flooding in the northern districts.

       In the interim, he said the Drainage and Irrigation Department would conduct adhoc projects to clear clogged drains.

       “Clogged drains are one of the main causes of the floods. The problem is not limited to just infrastructure. We are currently experiencing global climate change which has resulted in extraordinary rainfall including in areas that have never been flooded before.

       “We need to do a thorough investigation not just in Kota Marudu but all districts in Sabah,” Kitingan said after attending a briefing by the DID in Kota Marudu yesterday.

       He said although nature would always heal itself, it was sad that the majority of the damage to the environment was done by humans.

       Kitingan said people must always be prepared to move out if flood waters rose, adding that homes must not be built too close to rivers.

       He said some 44.65ha of farm land in Kota Marudu were destroyed and over 2,000 people were evacuated due to floods since New Year’s Eve.