Govt asked to act urgently on Baling landslides, mud floods

 

The government was called to take immediate action to curb “cascading geological processes” that were identified as the main cause of the recent floods in Baling, Kedah.

Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said villagers, especially those living near Sungai Kupang, were still concerned about their safety and worried that the flooding will recur.

“I do not want to blame anyone, I only want to find solutions. My people are still traumatised, many have asked to be relocated.

“The state and federal governments have provided rental assistance and will build new houses for those who lost their homes, but for others living along the river, they are also worried,” he said.

He was speaking after providing aid to flood victims in Kampung Sadek, Baling, today.

He was commenting on yesterday’s announcement by the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry which concluded the floods were caused by “cascading geological processes” - heavy rain, landslides, debris flows, floods, and mud floods.

Abdul Azeez (above) said they received the ministry’s findings regarding the incident but still called for the authorities to immediately declare whether the Sungai Kupang area is safe or otherwise.

“If (the ministry) and the related departments have taken action and can ensure the area is safe, I will inform the villagers and convince them to repair their houses and stay there.

“If the government has decided the area is safe, I am confident and believe that the government will be responsible for their statements and I believe the research done is true and we need to agree with it,” he said.

He also said Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently informed him the government will prepare allocations and expedite flood mitigation projects in the district as well as construct a new bridge in Kampung Iboi.

The floods on July 4 affected 41 areas and caused three fatalities, including a pregnant 23-year-old woman.

- Bernama