By Sulyn Chong
SHAH ALAM, Nov 11 — The state government has been preparing for the floods since last week, with the rapid response by the relevant authorities in conducting search and rescue operations over the past several days.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said several state-level meetings were carried out throughout last week, in preparation for the floods and inclement weather which the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) predicted would begin from November 6 onwards.
“This time I am glad the search and rescue team, as well as all the relevant authorities, were quick to action. We were able to help save and evacuate many people in an orderly and organised manner,” he said, after making his rounds at the temporary relief centre (PPS) situated at SK Johan Setia in Taman Johan Setia, Klang.
He was accompanied by Sungai Kandis state assemblyman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni, where they distributed food baskets to the flood victims and their families, as well as enquired about their well-being.
As of 10pm yesterday night, it was reported the floods affected three different locations, with two in Klang and one in Petaling.
The total number of flood-affected victims stand at 211 people from 49 families, who have been evacuated to the PPS’ at SK Kampung Johan Setia, SK Sungai Binjai in Meru and Masjid Al Falah in Kampung Budiman.
Amirudin added three of the victims tested positive for Covid-19 at the Masjid Al Falah Kampung Budiman PPS.
“The three have been isolated from the other victims, and were provided with the necessary health care by the authorities,” he said.
The Menteri Besar, who is also Pakatan Harapan’s parliamentary candidate for Gombak in the ongoing 15th general election, added this incident has proven the public’s fears over the impending monsoon and floods in the country, as forecasted by MetMalaysia.
“The steps taken to dissolve Parliament (on October 10) during these dire times simply reinforces the wrongness of the decision.
“It has not only caused trouble to victims and the people, but also to officials who have to work overtime in handling both the election as well as engaging in disaster management, like the Land and District Offices officials,” he said.
Earlier on, MetMalaysia forecasted the monsoon season would begin earlier than expected, on November 7, and continue on until March next year.
In addition, the agency also predicted a high tide phenomenon to occur during the following period:
- November 6 – November 11 and November 22 – November 27.
- December 7 – December 12 and December 22 – December 26.
- January 6 – January 10 and January 21 – January 25.
