Wan Junaidi: Increase in rainfall early sign of possible floods

KUCHING: The quantity of rainfall has increased in Malaysia and Indonesia, which are early signs of possible floods, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He said he had asked the National Security Council and related agencies to be prepared and to act immediately in providing aid to victims since the rainy season had begun.

Facts and data currently kept by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), said Dr Wan Junaidi, were no longer relevant and a comprehensive review would need to be carried out to address floods in the country.

This, he said, was due to the change in rainfall and weather patterns, adding that locations which never flooded before were now also facing the problem.

He said the Meteorological Department, the National Hydraulic Research Institute and the DID have been instructed to carry out scientific studies, which are expected to be completed in mid-November before being tabled to the Cabinet for approval.

“Although there is no specific allocation to tackle floods in Budget 2018, I hope attention will be given to this matter by the Government,” Dr Wan Junaidi told reporters after presenting minor rural project grants worth RM247,920 to 71 organisations and associations here on Saturday.

On another matter, Dr Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP, said he wished to contest in next general election. — Bernama