By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Dec 25 — This year’s Christmas, like the last, sees a different celebration due to various reasons, says Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Menteri Besar said in the previous year, the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic had hit the country and Malaysia had faced another wave of the virus being spread further, largely due to certain peculiar decisions from a handful of individuals.
In 2021, the recent flooding tragedy from December 17 to 19 had led to at least 37 families in the country losing a loved one with nearly 70,000 individuals were evacuated and some 15,000 families suffering damage to their property.
“It has caused heartbreak, physical and emotional damage, but we have and will recover from this tragedy.
“We acknowledge this loss and this pain, not to dwell on the past, not to wallow in grief. We do it to fortify our commitment and to bolster our hope as it is an impetus for us to build a stronger, more robust Selangor.
“While the past weekend’s events will certainly be cause for more muted celebrations, the spirit of Christmas – of giving, and being our brother’s and sister’s keeper – is more alive than ever,” said Amirudin in his Christmas address, yesterday.
Amirudin said the state government is committed to ensuring that lessons are learned from the painful tragedy and building a more agile state to better adapt and mitigate the challenges posed by the current and future climates.
“Our immediate priority through #SelangorBangkit is to get people back to their homes as quickly and as safely as possible. Basic needs besides food will continue to be channelled, besides the measures I announced earlier this week.
“We have to accelerate these efforts as the result of not doing so is unfathomable,” he said.
Amirudin said the crucial moment saw the people of Selangor and Malaysians rise in unison at the country’s hour of need where people from all walks of life came together to help in organising food or clothing drives to be distributed to flood victims housed at the relief centres.
“Even places of worship became flood relief operations centres like the Tengku Ampuan Jemaah Mosque in Bukit Jelutong and the Gurdwara Sahib in Petaling Jaya.
“It is my sincere hope that we keep to this and strengthen our togetherness not only in moments of crisis but in times when our community or political leaders test our resolve and patience by trying to divide a society which is very much together as we have seen in the past days,” the statement read.
Amirudin had reminded those travelling during the holidays to do so responsibly and continue to self-test as the Covid-19 virus is still out there.
He had also told the people to be extra cautious due to the uncertain regional weather patterns and had urged the public to heed the advice of local authorities should they be asked to evacuate their homes.
“Enjoy the festivities and the chance to spend quality time with your loved ones this holiday season.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest Christmas greetings to all Christians in Selangor, Sarawak, Sabah and throughout Malaysia.
“From my family to yours, we wish you all a Merry Christmas.”
