Lumadan: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ruslan highlighted that in the past, floods could last for months; now they recede within about a week. In areas like Kampung Lumadan and Bukau, flash flood issues have become more controlled following the widening and deepening works at the Lumadan river mouth and cleaning operations along Sungai Api-Api. The Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister (Religious Affairs) noted that 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 addressing flooding, the water supply issue is nearing resolution, with 95 per cent of the 84 villages now receiving clean water. Only three villages, including Kampung Jabang, have yet to receive full supply, but Ruslan assured that the remaining pipe connections will be completed soon.
Ruslan emphasized that the success in tackling these long-standing flood and water issues not only brings relief to the residents but also showcases the effectiveness of the efforts during his term as Lumadan assemblyman. He acknowledged that this track record has contributed to a more positive campaign atmosphere, noting that these are tangible results the people can witness.
He also mentioned that he has visited 13 polling districts, including Lumadan and Bukau, together with the machinery of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties, supported by allied parties such as PKR and Amanah. Campaigning as a unified team under GRS, with a more organised machinery and broader support, has certainly added to their confidence, he said.