KEPALA BATAS: The Works Ministry has geared up for any disaster following the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s (MetMalaysia) warning that major floods are expected to hit several states in the peninsula in November.
Its minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic) said that based on the standard operating procedure (SOP), its disaster operations room at the headquarters and districts involved would be activated immediately to monitor the flood situation regularly.
“At the department and ministry levels, we need to take care of the infrastructure so that roads are not cut off, especially in the event of a major flood, because we want to ensure that there is a route that rescue and emergency teams can use,” he told reporters here yesterday, according to Bernama.
He was met after attending the launch of the project to widen the stretch from Permatang Pak Elong to Merdeka Bridge from two to four lanes.
MetMalaysia previously warned that the country would experience continuous heavy rain from mid-November, leading to major floods at the end of the month.
The weather is expected to have a more significant impact as it will be during the northeast monsoon period, with the risk of continuous heavy rain and large-scale flooding.Fadillah added his ministry would continuously monitor flood-affected roads to update users on the latest situation and ensure they avoid these routes.
“In addition, we will monitor to find out what form of assistance is needed and will provide vehicles and other tools for rescue teams at the district or state levels,” he said.He also said that the ministry will ensure Budget 2023 to be tabled next month will focus on improving road facilities and conditions for the comfort and safety of users.
“For Budget 2023, we already have had sessions handled by the Finance Ministry in which the Works Ministry will prioritise improving roads.
“This includes using cost-saving light-emitting diode (LED) lamps and intelligent traffic lights that would provide comfort to road users and help reduce traffic congestion.
“The smart traffic lights system we feel is more efficient. For example, if traffic is congested, the system will shorten waiting time,” he said.
Budget 2023 will be tabled on Oct 7.
