ALOR SETAR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, the Sultan of Kedah, said flood mitigation projects must be carried out immediately to tackle flood issues.
"Flood mitigation projects which have been planned and received approval from the federal government should start immediately.
"To protect lives and belongings, those who stay near the rivers should accept the federal government's offer and move to higher grounds, in order not to obstruct the project works," he said.
The Sultan of Kedah said this in his speech during the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 87th birthday at the Istana Anak Bukit on Sunday (Jan18) morning.
His Majesty's speech was read out by Kedah Regency Council chairman Tunku Temenggong Kedah Tan Sri Tunku Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah.
He also called upon the rakyat of Kedah to be thankful as Kedah was not badly affected by the recent flood compared to the East Coast states.
"We must make sure any development plans and social-economy activities being carried out will not damage the environment.
"Refrain from clearing hills, being involved in illegal logging, open burning and uncontrolled waste dumping," added Tuanku Abdul Halim.