No time for blame game, defence forces chief says over flood rescue work

 

The army was reported to have been helping flood victims since Friday night, despite not having received any request from the National Disaster Management Agency. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: There is no time for any blame game in flood rescue and relief efforts, Chief of Defence Forces General Affendi Buang said today, emphasising the need for greater cooperation.

In a statement, he added that cooperation between government agencies was essential to ensure the safety of victims.

His comment follows a report that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) was said to have been reluctant to enlist the army’s help as the flood situation worsened in Selangor.

FMT reported that the army eventually deployed its resources, helping with rescue efforts on Friday without Nadma’s okay.

Affendi did not respond directly to the report’s claims but said he and his men were more concerned about the fate of those affected by the flood situation in Selangor.

He said all disaster relief efforts must have “a whole of government” approach to rope in every agency and with Nadma at the helm.

Affendi added that any shortcomings in flood management were the joint responsibility of all agencies.

“This could also be a way to help us all improve flood management efforts in future,” he said.

He said the army was always committed to assisting public agencies under Nadma’s coordination to carry out rescue and evacuation missions.

“It is not the time for any party to lay the blame on anyone, which may disrupt and jeopardise any rescue and evacuation efforts of those affected by the disaster.” - FMT