By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 8 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has instructed state agencies, particularly the local authorities, to submit a comprehensive report on the underlying factors for the recent flooding in several areas in the state by this Friday (November 10).
He noted that despite instructions to all state agencies to take preemptive measures ahead of the impending northeast monsoon season, several hotspots were still inundated recently, resulting in hundreds being displaced.
“A month ago, I instructed local agencies to handle issues in flood hotspots. Unfortunately, these incidents still occur. But, we will be fair and see if actions have been taken or not.
“We will also consider the huge rainfall volume, so I need the report by Friday,” Amirudin told the press after officiating the Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan for Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) at the Shah Alam Convention Centre today.
He said he is serious about tackling the issue as most of the recent floods involve frequently inundated areas like Kampung Cemperai in Dengkil, and Labuhan Dagang and Bukit Changgang in Banting.
“Some also mentioned Section 13 (in Shah Alam), but the area has not experienced massive flooding, just enough to flood the streets. However, I still request that this, too, be addressed, as we are expected to face the northeast monsoon starting on November 11.
“The transition brings more rain. What is happening now is just a teaser; the actual event has not even occurred, but yet, there are already nearly 800 flood evacuees,” Amirudin said.
However, the Menteri Besar stressed the focus of reviewing the flood report should be on identifying the fundamental causes of the flooding rather than precipitately attributing blame to any party.
“I will get reports not just from the state disaster unit but from local councils as well on what (preventive measures) have been taken, as most of the complaints are still directed at them.
“I want to be fair and not jump to conclusions, but something has to be done to prevent this from recurring, especially with the forecast for this coming Saturday (the start of the northeast monsoon),” he said.
Amirudin was commenting on the recent flooding in several districts across the state. As of 8am today, 789 individuals sought shelter at ten temporary evacuation centres.
Last month, he directed all state agencies to gear themselves up in anticipation of the northeast monsoon season, forecasted to commence on November 11.
The Meteorological Department has also issued an advisory predicting heavy rainfall in several states over the next few months.
