By Norrasyidah Arshad and Faizal Nazaruddin
KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 17 — In the wake of floods all across Selangor, two Pakatan Harapan candidates in the ongoing 15th general election deviated from their campaigning schedule to visit the affected areas and meet its residents.
Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat candidate Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad headed to Kampung Asahan earlier this morning, where he said around 100 victims were affected by the heavy rains last night and must to be moved to a temporary relief centre (PPS) for their safety.
“I am in contact with Civil Defense Force officers and firefighters on the current situation and the plan of action to rescue victims. We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure the initial steps can be implemented,” he said when met.
Speaking to the press, Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Muhammad Gemuk said the rains occurred for over 12 hours, starting at 10pm yesterday, which has affected more than 50 residents’ homes.
Subsequently, the transferring of victims to the PPS at SMK Kuala Selangor was carried out by the authorities in stages.
“The flood waters have entered homes, while the water level in the yards has almost reached 0.5 metres,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bangi parliamentary seat candidate Syahredzan Johan cancelled his campaigning programme for the day, following a flash flood at Taman Hijau, Kajang.
He also inspected the preparations for PPS’ in Bangi Lama, and took steps to ensure the victims received sufficient assistance.
“An estimated 100 houses have been affected, and thus far five families have registered with the PPS’. The Sungai Ramal state assemblyman’s office and the MPKK are working to help.
“I have also visited flash flood areas in Taman Hijau, and heard the residents’ complaints about the floods,” Syahredzan said in a Facebook post.
According to the State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, the Selangor Civil Defense Force has opened seven PPS early this morning, and evacuated over 800 victims from approximately 200 families.
Several other districts including Shah Alam, Klang and Sepang were also affected by the heavy rains, which continued until early this morning.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department warned of heavy rains lasting until 4am throughout Perlis, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka.
