SHAH ALAM, Jan 20 — The state government prepared a comprehensive flood planning several months before the floodings in December last year, despite no forecast of extraordinary weather patterns.
Bukit Melawati assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifli, citing the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), said there were no predictions that Selangor would be struck by a massive flood.
“However, the state government continues to prepare for the disaster,” she said on Twitter, refuting claims made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri that Selangor was not prepared for the disaster.
Juwairiya, who is also the political secretary to Menteri Besar Dato Seri’ Amirudin Shari, added the flood action plan has been in place since September and October last year.
It is understood the first state-level disaster meeting was held on September 6, followed by simulation training to face the Northeast monsoon, which was carried out the next day.
A coordination meeting of the Northeast monsoon and high tide phenomena was also held on October 22, while a statement from the State Disaster Management Unit was issued on November 17.
Nonetheless, Juwairiya admitted the preparation was made on a smaller scale.
“The state’s preparedness level was at a normal level, and with assistance by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) set at evacuating 5,000 victims. Likewise the supply of food and necessities could last for only 10 days.
“However, the major flood disaster which occurred in December last year affected over 70,000 people within a short period,” she said.
Juwairiya also posted a screenshot of the MetMalaysia forecast on December 17, which did not indicate heavy rainfall would happen on that day.
“Only on the evening of December 18 did MetMalaysia issue a dangerous alert for Selangor, although continuous heavy rain had begun on December 17,” she said.
Earlier today, Ismail Sabri admitted that the flooding incident in Selangor had exceeded the state’s management disaster committee (JPBN) capability.
“The floods overpowered JPBN’s response, and it was considered as a rare occurrence in Selangor.
“The flooding was caused by extraordinary rainfalls on December 18 of 380 millimetres on that day, equivalent to the average rainfall in a month.
“At the same time, the high tide phenomenon made the floods worse,” he said.
Following the remarks, Juwairiya slammed the Prime Minister, who was also quoted saying ‘the weather alert was ignored by several directly-involved parties in the disaster management’ until the Federal government needs to intervene.
“This is not the time for finger-pointing at any party! The National Security Council (led by the Prime Minister) should be responsible and take care of the entire country affected by the disaster,” she said.
