Maszlee: We’ll help get pupils to school even if it floods

Education Minister Maszlee Malik with children at the Back-to-School programme and launch of the ‘Helogang’ public phone at SMK Simpang Renggam in Johor today. (Bernama pic)

KLUANG: The education ministry is prepared to face possible floods ahead of the new school term, its minister Maszlee Malik said.

He said the ministry would ensure that students could begin their schooling session according to schedule.

“Each district education office has its own standard operating procedures in facing floods.

“They are ready to deal with any situation if floods occur,” he told reporters at the Back-to-School programme and the launch of the “Helogang” public phone at SMK Simpang Renggam here today.

Maszlee was commenting on the ministry’s preparation to face the flood season which is expected to last until January.

Sub-heading
Fire and Rescue Department prepares for fourth wave of floods

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah said the Fire and Rescue Department will move some of its equipment from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Terengganu in preparation for a possible fourth wave of floods.

He said this was aimed at improving the logistics and response time for rescue operations and evacuation of flood victims.

Raja Kamarul said there were not enough five-tonne lorries in Terengganu which has several flood-risk locations.

“The fourth wave, which is expected to occur on Dec 24 to 25, is likely to be bigger than the third wave due to the combination of high tide and heavy rainfall.

“We need to prepare several trucks to move the people from several villages simultaneously,” he said after an event in Kuala Nerus last night. - FMT