KUALA LUMPUR: There were heated moments in the Dewan Rakyat as several lawmakers called on the government to explain measures to address the flood situation that has affected thousands of people nationwide.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) stood up and demanded the government reveal the official number of victims who were eligible for assistance and when they would receive it.
"Just now, I visited an area in Ampang, and there are urgent needs to repair the pipes that caused the muddy floods and bad smell that has affected the health of the locals," said Ahmad.
Mohamad Sabu (PH-Kota Raja) said the issue was not about the amount allocated by the government, but the delays in rescue efforts for flood victims.
"The question is where were the rescue boats from the armed forces, police and others?" the former defence minister asked.
"Many fishermen had volunteered to assist by offering their boats for help.
"But the fishing boats are not suitable for rescue purposes," he said.
"I was stranded for eight hours myself at a petrol station.
"Many had asked where were their elected reps but we were also stranded.
"It is already on the second day, but we have yet to receive any assistance," said the Kota Raja MP.
Earlier, Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) said lawmakers wanted a clear answer from the government on the measures to address the issue, as it involved fatalities.
"I hope there will be a minister in charge who will give an explanation on the measures to address the flood situation that has affected thousands of people," he said in Parliament on Monday (Dec 20).
"Although this is a sudden request, but I hope one specific minister or a related minister can give us an explanation on the type of short term assistance to assist the people.
"This is because there are a lot of victims who were stranded on the roofs of their house. This has never happened in the Klang Valley before as it considered as a developed area," added Lim.
However, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun said the matter could not be debated, as it was not listed in the order paper.
"Our agenda today is the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2021.
"I am sorry, if you want clarification from the minister, it is up to the minister to submit a notice to me to give his explanation.
"We cannot keep jumping from one issue to another without the issue being in our agenda.
"That is how we do it, and that is Parliament's procedure," he said.
Several Opposition lawmakers stood up to protest the decision, but Azhar was firm that all parties needed to follow the House rules and asked them to adhere to decorum.
Later, at a press conference, Fahmi Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) expressed disappointment that lawmakers could not debate the issue based on technicalities.
"As MPs, not only from the Opposition but some government lawmakers, wanted an explanation from the relevant minister," said Fahmi.
