KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 — MPs from both sides were united in giving suggestions to address the recurring flood problems facing the country, as well as asking about what measures the government will take regarding the issue.
During the fourth day of the debate session on the Supply Bill 2023 at the policy level in the Dewan Rakyat today, among other things, the MPs touched on the issue of allocations, and the type of aid which should be channelled to assist flood victims.
Kuala Kedah MP Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi asked to what extent was the government’s commitment towards the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB), under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), to reduce the effects of flood disasters, especially in the Kuala Kedah area.
He also expressed concern that if a flood mitigation project is not implemented in the said area, which is synonymous with paddy cultivation, it will then have an impact on the country’s food security and rice production.
“Therefore, there must be an effective contingency plan should there be a high tide phenomenon, which causes water to overflow into paddy fields.
“Besides this, what measures will the government take to reduce the risk of overflow due to the high tide phenomenon which often hits Kuala Kedah, and the implications of the damage on the people who suffer every year as a result of such disasters? This issue needs to be dealt with immediately,” Ahmad Fakhruddin said.
Meanwhile, Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi said the government needs to implement drastic measures to protect lives and people’s property, as well as to give sufficient allocations, especially to the Kluang Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), to implement projects to reduce the risk of flooding.
“Yesterday, some friends asked me why Kluang is also hit by floods, since Kluang is located in the upstream area. That is what I do not understand…why does Kluang get flooded first every time it rains heavily.
“We may not be able to widen the river because of urban development taking place next to the riverbanks, and houses also being built (in the village) fronting the river. Therefore, can we deepen the existing river so that the upstream capacity is increased?
“However, every time I talk to the district DID officer, the problem that arises is that there is insufficient funding,” she said.
Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa also raised the same issue, and asked about the total allocation and the type of assistance being prepared by the government, to lessen the burden of flood victims this time around.
“It is my great hope that the government will be able to provide assistance similar to last year which covers all aspects, such as Bantuan Wang Ihsan, donations for the purchase of essential goods, home improvement assistance and various discounts or rebates,” he said.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim also proposed that the government give fair allocation distribution to MPs, irrespective of their political parties, to facilitate efforts to help the people, especially when such disasters occur.
Earlier, it was reported that the total number of flood victims rose to 29,091, housed in temporary relief centres in Johor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Sabah.
A total of 86 MPs participated in the debate session, which began on Monday, after the tabling of Budget 2023 by Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on Feb 24.
According to the Parliament’s official website, the debate sessions will last until March 7 and continue with winding-up sessions by each ministry.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting resumes Monday (March 6).
— Bernama
