By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
AMPANG, Oct 17 — The state government is taking proactive steps for any possible floods, particularly in the districts of Sepang, Petaling, Klang, Kuala Selangor and Gombak.
State executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim said the maintenance of drains, ditches and reservoirs will be given special emphasis, as well as the electricity, water and communications in the event of disasters.
“I will also be visiting the five crucial districts starting next week, to prepare for the northeast monsoon and high-tide phenomenon.
“Earlier on, we held several meetings with the Irrigation and Drainage Department. The main objective is to conduct field visits to monitor the drain, ditch and reservoir maintenance works.
“As the state executive councillor in charge of infrastructure, it is not only a matter of managing drains when floods occur but also of electricity, water and communications,” he said after his visit to the affordable sales programme at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council Field parking area, here yesterday.
Starting on September 28, 67 state agencies and 343 participants took part in practice and simulation training for two days at the Selangor State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam.
The simulation was conducted to ensure all agencies are prepared in terms of their services, equipment and assets, in facing any disasters.
Similarly, up to 796 temporary evacuation centres which can accommodate as many as 151,000 flood victims have been put on standby and ready for activation, alongside 12 forward bases to store emergency supplies.
Unusual heavy rainfall from December 17 to December 19 last year, double the previous highest rainfall of about 180mm, caused many locations in Selangor to become submerged and flooded.
