Find out the cause of frequent floods in Baram, authorities told
MIRI: State DAP secretary Alan Ling has called on the state government and Forestry Department to find out the cause of frequent floods in Baram and find a solution to rectify the problem.
“It has become a normal phenomenon for Baram folk to experience flooding whenever monsoon season is here, however, the frequency has gradually increased compared to decades ago.
“Though no proper study has been done we highly suspect that the main cause contributing to this could be heavy deforestation as during the 60s and 90s Baram was full with logging camps with big operation to extract mostly virgin forests.
“The ‘ heavy exercise’ has its price and the local folks who live and stay within the locality have to suffer the consequences. The eco-system has been heavily affected, rain falls down quicker than before as it is not blocked by trees and slopes, the speedy pouring has brought sand and mud into Baram river, making it shallow, causing water pouring out of the river and flooding the whole area.
“The state government must initiate a study to find out the cause and to find a solution to rectify the problem,” Ling said.
He also suggested that the state government look for the concessionaires who operated in Baram with large scale deforestation to launch a reforestation programme to replant trees in these areas.
“This is to give back to Mother Nature and as part of social corporate responsibility. The government must continuously monitor the progress and set a timeframe for these companies to complete the reforestation, making them accountable and its progress to be reported to state legislative council from time to time.”
Meanwhile on the third day of Chinese New Year, DAP Miri handed RM500 to PKR Baram which took the initiative to collect funds to help the flood victims.