FLOOD AND WATER IMPROVEMENTS BOOST RUSLAN’S CONFIDENCE IN LUMADAN

By Lucia Terey Anak John

BEAUFORT, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Lumadan state constituency, which once endured stagnant floodwaters for 41 days during the 1981 floods, is now seeing marked improvement after the implementation of several mitigation measures, including river-widening works and the construction of water diversion channels.

Lumadan incumbent assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam said that although flooding cannot be avoided as Beaufort is among the areas with high rainfall in Malaysia, the duration and impact of such incidents have nevertheless been significantly reduced.

“In the past, floods could last for months; now they recede within about a week. In Kampung Lumadan and Bukau, for instance, flash flood issues have become more controlled after widening and deepening works at the Lumadan river mouth and cleaning operations along Sungai Api-Api,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview.

The Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister (Religious Affairs) said the construction of a three-kilometre diversion for Sungai Padas from Kampung Suasa to Weston has also helped expedite the flow of floodwaters to the sea and reduce stagnant water.

“Besides flooding, the water supply issue is almost resolved, with 95 per cent of the 84 villages now receiving clean water. Only three villages have yet to receive full supply, including Kampung Jabang,” he said.

He added that the remaining pipe connections will be completed soon to ensure all residents have full access to water supply.

“The success in addressing the long-standing flood and water issues, which have burdened residents for years, not only brings relief to the people but also reflects the effectiveness of the efforts carried out throughout my term as Lumadan assemblyman.

“These are not empty promises; these are results the people can see and experience themselves,” he said, acknowledging that this track record has contributed to a more positive campaign atmosphere.

Ruslan said that so far he has visited 13 polling districts, including Lumadan and Bukau, together with the machinery of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties, supported by the machinery of allied parties such as PKR and Amanah.

“In the past, we campaigned as a single party. Now we are campaigning as one team under GRS, with a more organised machinery and broader support. This certainly gives us added confidence,” he said.

-- BERNAMA