SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Executive Council has decided to immediately halt all development works in Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, while flood mitigation plans and the Environmental Impact Assessment are reassessed.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said at the same time, the Public Works Department will temporarily close Jalan Batu Arang in Rawang following a collapsed bank to facilitate repair works.
“Additionally, small and large scale flood mitigation works statewide, especially in higher-risk areas, must be expedited immediately rather than following conventional schedules, as rain is expected almost daily.
“We are facing a climate change crisis and the flood mitigation work culture must match the current challenges to prevent any harm to the people,” he said in a statement today (Nov 6).
Amirudin said the state government acknowledges that the rain causing floods in several areas has inconvenienced the people, particularly those commuting to work and fetching children from school, bringing anxiety whenever it rains.
Therefore, public criticism directed at any government agency must be accepted openly with a commitment to redouble efforts to help affected flood victims and prevent daily recurrences.
“The people cannot afford to hear excuses from any agency if floods occur; instead, they want to live safely without worrying about their personal safety or their loved ones,” he said.
Furthermore, Amirudin said the state government will expedite and increase aid for flood victims at temporary evacuation centres (PPS), while accelerating house repairs and cleaning via state agencies and Yayasan MBI.
Aid of up to RM1,500 from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the state government will be channelled to victims at PPS to ease their current financial burden while repair works proceed.
“Early warnings will also be given to road users in areas at risk of rising water levels on roads, while the Drainage and Irrigation Department implements immediate water diversion works.
“All agencies have been given a collective responsibility to ensure drain and river maintenance works are carried out faster and immediately without any delay,” he said. – BERNAMA
