Response to Tan Young's Proposal on Flood Solutions in Sabah
Summary of the Newspaper Item LINK
City Hall Advisory Board member and architect Tan Young has proposed rethinking flood mitigation strategies in Sabah by incorporating underground stormwater detention systems under underutilized open spaces like parks, sports courts, and parking lots. He emphasized that flooding has evolved from a seasonal issue into a critical urban crisis, and these systems could transform single-purpose land into multifunctional assets—providing recreational facilities above ground while offering flood protection below. Tan warned that the long-term costs of inaction would dwarf the expenses of innovative solutions.
This proposal comes amid severe flooding in Sabah.
While Tan Young's idea for underground detention systems is innovative, it highlights deeper unresolved problems in Sabah's urban development framework. As a City Hall Advisory Board member and principal of Tan Young Architect (TYA), TAN’S focus on post-construction solutions raises valid questions about proactive measures during the planning and approval stages.
Pre-Construction Flood Risk Assessments: Are They Adequately Enforced?
A fundamental flaw in Sabah's system appears to be the inconsistent application of flood risk studies before issuing construction permits. Developers are required to submit environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and hydrological studies for projects in potential flood zones. Yet, reports indicate that many approvals in low-lying bypass thorough geotechnical surveys, leading to exacerbated flooding. Without this, innovative fixes like detention systems become reactive band aids rather than preventive strategies.
Tan Young's Role in Specific Development Oversights: The Vistana Heights Retaining Wall Controversy
A pertinent example of these lapses is the ongoing issues at Vistana Heights in Taman Ira Manis, Kota Kinabalu, where residents have complained since 2022 about the absence of a promised retaining wall on land behind homes. Multiple reports detail how the project's Occupancy Certificate was allegedly secured using fabricated as-built survey plans by Jurukur TerraFirma, misrepresenting the height difference between road levels and house platforms (from over 4 feet to under 1 foot). As a prominent architect and advisory board member, has Tan Young addressed this in board discussions or public forums? This case underscores a need for advisory board members like Tan to prioritize accountability in approvals. Ignoring such issues erodes public trust and amplifies flood risks from poor land management.
Practicality of Underground Systems: Timeline and Root Causes of Flooding
Underground stormwater detention is a solid concept—systems like retention basins or tanks can store excess runoff and release it gradually, potentially reducing peak flood flows. However, implementation in Sabah could take 2-5 years per pilot site. During this lag, what interim measures does City Hall propose? More critically, do Tan Young or City Hall fully grasp the multifaceted reasons for recurrent flooding? While exceptional monsoon rains play a role, root causes include: Inadequate Drainage and Urbanization: Encroachment on riverbanks and clogged systems in Kota Kinabalu.
Poor Maintenance: Neglected culverts and pumps, despite projects like the Inanam flood mitigation.
Engineers and architects, including Tan, should lead public education campaigns—perhaps via DBKK webinars.
Explaining Flood Pattern Variations: Cases of "Opposite JPJ" and Golf View.
Specific anomalies highlight the need for data-driven explanations: Areas Opposite JPJ in Kota Kinabalu: This zone flooded severely in 2024. However, in 2025's heavier September rains it did not flood. LINK
Golf View Residences: This area flooded in 2021 and 2022, but not in 2025 despite more intense rainfall. LINK
These variations underscore that flooding isn't solely rain-dependent; infrastructure and maintenance matter.
Ultimately, educating the public on why areas flood (or don't) will foster resilience. Residents deserve answers, not just ideas—let's hope Tan leads on both.
Here is a related post by Tuan Haji Ansari on Facebook yesterday:
Ansari Abdullah is 
feeling angry at Sk Langkawit.
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