Ensure no repeated mistakes in dealing with floods, says Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities must leave no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure that there is no repeat of the mistakes made during the recent devastating floods that hit several parts of the peninsular, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye

He said that not repeating past mistakes was important because of the real possibility of a second wave due to the continuing inclement weather.

"The government has set up a special task force to ensure that all the various government departments and agencies will be totally mobilised to deal with such an eventuality," said the Alliance for Safe Community chairman

"This is a step in the right direction, in view of the hardship suffered by those affected during the recent floods," he added in a statement on Monday (Dec 27).

However, Lee said it remains to be seen whether the task force would be able to provide assistance when and where it was required in the shortest possible time without any red tape.

"All forms of application for assistance must be simplified and given serious attention," said Lee.

"Lives have been lost and extensive damage inflicted on property, household items and neighbourhoods and it will take quite some time for the people to recover, in terms of returning to their jobs and children going back to school," he added.

Lee then commented on the government's pledge of RM1,000 for those affected by the recent floods, saying that there must be no red tape in the execution of this programme as had already been seen in some recent cases.

"It has been acknowledged that the construction of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) has contributed to the flooding in Taman Sri Nanding." said Lee.

"We had previously expressed caution to ensure that such developments will not result in clogged drains which could cause rainwater to overflow into Sungai Langat.

"This has highlighted the need to undertake environmental impact assessments before similar projects are approved. This is very essential," he added.

Lee called on the Meteorological Department to be more proactive.

"While it discharges its duty to forecast the weather, it must also ensure that its messages reach the ground.

"Because of the fact that tropical weather patterns do not change much compared to temperate climes, most people do not listen to weather forecasts as a matter of priority.

"As such, they miss some important warnings. Therefore it is the responsibility of the department to think outside the box and ensure weather warnings reach the vulnerable communities.

"This could be done in several ways-by sirens, loud hailers, or by drones as was recently done by police to disperse crowds," Lee said.