Zahid: No need to call for emergency yet, floods under control

MERSING: There is no need for an emergency to be called following floods in several states, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the National Disaster Committee chairman, said that the flood situation was under control and only involved several areas in the country.

"I think there is no need for an emergency to be called over the floods as it is only happening in certain states and districts.

"The state and district disaster management committees have been proactive in managing the floods.

"Immediate assistance is also being given out to the affected heads of families but we do need to further improve post-flood management and aid," he said.

He said this to the press after meeting with flood victims at the Mersing Politeknik here on Saturday (Jan 28).

Also present was Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and State Secretary Tan Sri Azmi Rohani.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, added that he would look into improving the coordination of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the relevant agencies involved in post-flood management.

"I have also informed the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and Civil Defence Force to provide water jets at certain areas to help families returning to their homes," he said.

On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid said that some RM10.5mil had been approved to facilitate short-term initiatives to solve flood problems in Mersing.

"I have approved RM10.5mil for the construction of three pumps and three pump houses to facilitate the effort in improving flood problems in Mersing.

"For a long term solution, Mersing will need about RM2.3bil to solve its flood problem once and for all.

"They have asked if an allocation of RM50mil could be given and channel to the state government and district Irrigation and Drainage (DID) as part of a temporary measure to solve this issue.

"I will bring the matter up to the Ministry's secretary-general," he said.