From water rationing to potential flooding: Now, Melaka begins to prepare for ‘big flood’

MELAKA: The Melaka government has asked local authorities to prepare for a "big flood" after almost three months of facing depleting water resources in the state.

State rural development and flood mitigation committee chairman Datuk Seri Idris Haron (pic) said all agencies should prepare for contingency measures during this movement control order (MCO) period to evacuate victims in case of flood in low-lying areas here.

"I have instructed local council presidents and district officers as well as relevant agencies to prepare the necessary mechanisms to brace for floods during the MCO.

"They must also analyse the root cause of the floods and factor in the external factors such as choking drains and culverts," he said in an interview here on Tuesday (March 24).

Idris said he has asked the relevant agencies to immediately address the drains and the irigations systems throughout the state.

He visited several flood evacuees from Kampung Balai at Durian Tunggal here on Tuesday (March 24).

The current wet season could end the scheduled water rationing exercise that began on Jan 29.