GE15: ‘Over and above’ preparations made in facing floods, says Hishammuddin

KLUANG: The Defence Ministry, through the Malaysian Armed Forces, have made “over and above” preparations to help the public in the event of a flood during the coming 15th General Election (GE15).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic) said that the armed forces have always been on the frontline in helping and securing the safety of the people.

“This is not something that is ‘unique’ and the armed forces have always been on the frontline every year when flooding occurs.

“We have also managed to build a Bailey Bridge to replace the bridge between Kampung Iboi and Kampung Masjid Iboi in Baling, Kedah within a day,” he said during a speech after the land grant handover ceremony to Felda settlers at Dewan Serbaguna Felda Bukit Tongkat here on Sunday (Oct 16).

There have been irresponsible parties that have suddenly become “experts” in floods even though they themselves have never attended any flood rescue drills, he added.

"They have come to create a flood issue, whereas we are the ones who have been working closely with the entire state governments to ensure smooth coordination and workflow within all federal and state agencies."

“Our SOP and work template has never been changed, but at the same time, we have continued to improve our services and cooperation between agencies,” Hishammuddin said, adding that he will be meeting Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail soon to discuss the flood mitigation efforts in the state.