ARAU: Rapid housing development that neglect proper drainage is believed to be the main cause of frequent flooding in the state.
Arau member of parliament Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said unchecked housing projects in his constituency have failed to manage water flow, leading to overflowing drains and flooded roads.
"If we observe the situation in Arau and other areas in this state, the drains are poorly managed by the authorities. Additionally, many housing developments do not prioritise or manage water flow, causing drains to overflow onto roads and into homes.
"During the recent heavy rain, even my house was flooded, which is unusual in my neighbourhood. My service centre was also surrounded by water, so I believe the drains and ditches are clogged.
"Drainage management must not be taken lightly, as we don't want overflowing to occur every time it rains, causing floods," he said during a visit to the SK Sena temporary flood relief centre today.
Shahidan said in his constituency, about 104 houses in Tambun Tulang, Pauh and Guar Sanji were affected by the recent floods, caused by continuous rain.
"Immediate action is needed to identify the cause, particularly in 'hotspots' where residents are forced to evacuate to relief centres every time it floods."
State Irrigation and Drainage Department director Amir Budiman Abdullah said persistent flooding occurs because downstream rivers are unable to discharge water into the sea.
"Water from the downstream areas of Sungai Gial, Sungai Repoh and Sungai Perlis flows towards the sea, but the 'stagnant water' at sea blocks it.
"As a result, the water gets trapped in these rivers and eventually overflows onto the roads and into residents' homes."