PUTRAJAYA: Flood mitigation projects will be expedited to lessen the impact such disasters have on the people and the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said he had directed the secretary-general of the Treasury, Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, to look into smoothening the tender process for these projects.
“I have asked the Treasury to hasten the process to reduce the pressure and effects of floods in the coming years,” he said when flagging off the civil service flood relief volunteer team to Johor yesterday.
A total of 1,520 civil servants representing various ministries, departments and agencies are taking part in the post-flood mission.
On March 17, the Prime Minister directed the ministries’ machinery to assist in the post-flood missions to Johor, adding that an additional allocation of RM150mil had been approved.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the post-flood situation was equally challenging for those affected and assistance was also needed, not just during the floods.
“It is certainly very challenging, and we know those affected families are unable to cope with the post-flood situation unless there is additional help,” he said.
Go forth: Anwar flags off the convoy of volunteers heading to Johor for flood relief efforts at Dataran Putra, Putrajaya. — Bernama
The Prime Minister also thanked civil servants for volunteering.
He said the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, had informed him that thousands of civil servants had volunteered for the mission.
“Your act is extraordinary. Believe me, your presence will relieve the burden on those affected,” he said.
Anwar has also asked for students and NGOs to extend a helping hand in post-flood missions to Johor.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The post-flood mission will focus on cleaning up medical and educational facilities, government buildings and public places.
The volunteer squad comes equipped with basic school essentials to give away, maintenance equipment for small vehicles, tools for minor electrical repair work, as well as psychological and counselling support services.
