Long-term solutions for floods needed urgently, says Zahid

 

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said volunteers and voluntary bodies would be included in efforts to manage floods. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: Long-term measures to resolve the flood problem, including holistic flood mitigation projects, should be implemented immediately, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“Long-term solutions are needed urgently so that no matter how heavy the rain is, floods can be managed well,” he said at a press conference after chairing the central disaster management committee meeting here today.

He said although the government was told this would involve huge costs, including a RM15 billion flood mitigation project implemented by the previous government, such efforts would ensure long-term flood management until 2100.

“We have asked for coordination with the irrigation and drainage department so that a solution can be found quickly as it is linked to economic growth and people’s livelihood, especially in places where there is stagnant water from the floods,” he said.

Zahid said the government would also get volunteers involved in tackling and managing floods.

“For the first time, we are including voluntary bodies or volunteers in the (central disaster management) committee, and we want similar involvement at the national, state and district levels and relief centres.

“This will not only ease our burden but also lead to better solutions, especially for the victims,” he added. - FMT