Does Shahidan still believe Malaysia's flood system among the best? - Kok

 

Teresa Kok (Pakatan Harapan-Seputeh) today asked Federal Territories Minister Shahidan Kassim whether he still stood by what he said in 2013 about Malaysia’s flood management system being among the best when compared to countries like the US.

This comes after Kuala Lumpur suffered flash floods yesterday, just three months after the devastating flood disaster last December which crippled many parts of the Klang Valley at the time.

“There is an old statement from the minister dated Nov 25, 2013, saying the flood management in Malaysia is among the best compared to other countries like the US that has been going viral on social media since last night.

“At the time, Arau (Shahidan) was the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of disaster management.

“I want to ask whether Arau still believes the statement he made at the time? Now that Arau is the federal territories minister, I want to ask what are his feelings and his plans?” Kok said while debating on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok

Meanwhile, Fong Kui Lun (Harapan-Bukit Bintang) and Fahmi Fadzil (Harapan-Lembah Pantai) had submitted separate emergency motions to debate on the latest flash floods in Kuala Lumpur.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun noted that he received Fong’s submission around 10pm last night while Fahmi’s motion was received this morning.

As such, he said he will only decide on the two motions tomorrow as a 24-hour notice period is required. However, he added that he will likely allow the motion to debate the flash floods tomorrow.

“I have until tomorrow (to respond) because 24 hours is required but as a preliminary, I will suggest for this matter to be discussed, but I cannot allow it now. Tomorrow,” Azhar said.

Yesterday’s flash floods had affected various parts of the Klang Valley, including Kuala Lumpur city centre, the Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas), and Kuchai Lama.

Several areas in the Klang Valley were hit by flash floods yesterday

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) had also shut down several power stations in the Klang Valley last night due to the flash floods. Most of the power stations have since been restored. - Mkini