Dr Wee: Agencies, depts under Transport Ministry preparing to face second wave of floods

KUALA LUMPUR: All agencies and departments under the Transport Ministry are preparing for the eventuality of a second wave of floods, says Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The ministry has embarked on early preparations as a second wave of floods could happen anytime, said Dr Wee.

He added that all agencies and departments have been instructed to monitor the situation and provide information to the ministry.

"A second wave of floods can happen so we must make early preparations. We have asked all agencies to monitor the situation and inform us.

"The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Marine Department will all be prepared to assist," Dr Wee told the media at the Gombak LRT station after introducing the My50 unlimited travel pass on Monday (Dec 27).

Public amenities will also be utilised to assist flood victims in emergency situations, said Dr Wee, adding that this was demonstrated when Prasarana Malaysia Bhd converted its Putra Heights LRT station bus hub into a temporary relief centre for 54 flood victims on Dec 18.

He added that the ministry will be prepared with a plan to convert facilities into relief centres to help flood victims if such a need arises.

"We will coordinate (conversion) of the place into a relief centre. If there are people in need, we have to provide shelter," he said.

He added that this had happened in various locations when flooding occurred last week, leading to public amenities being opened to shelter flood victims.

Dr Wee said the relief centre set up by Prasarana at Putra Heights last week was a good move to help victims fleeing the floods that ravaged their villages nearby.

"The centre was well equipped with food, necessities and medical aid for the victims provided by Prasarana," he added.

He said constant monitoring of the situation during the current monsoon season is also being done to ensure safety of passengers using public transportation such as bus and rail.

"For example, when there is a flood and a station has to be closed for safety reasons, we will ensure that it is done according to standard operating procedures (SOP), such as the case at the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

"During the flooding last week, the station had to be closed and the trains had to bypass the station. Passengers disembarked at a safer location," Dr Wee said.