Good but not enough, Klang MP tells PM on flood mitigation efforts

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's efforts to prepare for floods later this year are commendable but insufficient, said Klang MP Charles Santiago.

The DAP lawmaker pointed out that there remain many glaring issues in the premier's recent meeting with the Federal Disaster Management Task Force to assess the level of coordination and preparedness of disaster management.

"It's still a mess and looks like the entire government machinery hasn't stepped up, despite the devastating floods last December.

"It's mind-boggling that the discussions (with the task force) appear to have left out Selangor, and instead focused on the eastern states of the peninsula and East Malaysia," he said in a statement.

The Meteorological Department has identified 62 areas in Klang alone as flood hotspots due to the combination of the northeast monsoon and high tides, he added.

Klang MP Charles Santiago

Charles noted that the department has also predicted an average of 100mm to 400mm of rainfall in Klang in the coming months, which could cause massive floods.

"Therefore discussions around disaster management should focus on the entire country, and a few more strategies must be put in place," he said.

Conduct test run, flood drill

Citing the instance where residents of Seri Muda, Selangor were unprepared for the floods in December as they were unfamiliar with the early warning siren system, Charles mooted for the government to conduct a test run.

He also called for a flood drill to ensure that the residents know the procedures for emergency evacuation.

"They (the residents) must be informed of their nearest evacuation centres and emergency hotlines well ahead of time. The most vulnerable households, like those with aged or differently-abled people, should also be identified earlier so that rescuers know which homes to target first," he added.

The DAP lawmaker urged the National Disaster Management Agency to be restructured, and for it to consider roping in the army, navy, and defence forces as part of disaster management, as they have the relevant assets and equipment that can be mobilised quickly.

"The government should also set up a flood insurance scheme for a more holistic approach to disaster mitigation, with those in high-risk areas, as well as B40 households, paying a low premium for the protection of their homes and assets."

While Ismail Sabri is "trying", much more comprehensive strategies must be included to ensure the country is adequately prepared for flood mitigation, Charles stressed.

"I hope that the prime minister will also incorporate our suggestions and recommendations to substantially reduce disaster risks and loss of lives and livelihoods."

Earlier this week, Charles suggested flood solutions for the PM's consideration.

Yesterday, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said that his administration is looking into the possibility of declaring a climate emergency in the state to address climate change and flash floods. - Mkini