TEMERLOH: At least five areas in three states are expected to experience an unusual amount of rainfall identified in the flood early warning system, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Among the areas are Temerloh in Pahang, Segamat and Kota Tinggi in Johor, and Kota Belud and Marudu in Sabah.
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He said the flood early warning system will serve as a guide for the early evacuation of residents in affected areas before the extraordinary rainfall during the northeast monsoon occurs.
The system’s pattern is determined by the prevalence of floods, he added.
“All parties have been coordinated so that evacuations (can be done) earlier because, most importantly, we want to avoid the loss of life as well as save property and important documents.
“That’s why we need to take proactive measures. The relief centres also need to be prepared. We hope all these preparations can overcome the problems (that have happened before),” he said.
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Ahmad Zahid was speaking after inspecting the implementation of Phase 1 of the Sungai Semantan Integrated River Basin Development project and visiting the relief centre at SMK Seberang Temerloh yesterday, Bernama reported.
Also present were Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Ahmad Zahid said compassionate money will only be provided to those who relocate to flood relief centres.
“A problem arises when people who do not move request to have their names registered (for compassionate money).
“They have to move because this is the rule that must be followed,” he said.
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The Rural and Regional Development Minister reiterated that the government will assist everyone and rejected any negative sentiment regarding channelling aid to those affected by floods.
He said Temerloh’s flood management is one of the best, even though it had to simultaneously handle 39,000 evacuees in the relief centres.
During his visit, Ahmad Zahid also approved the acquisition of 14 boats and equipment worth RM259,000 and the allocation for the construction of houses for five residents affected by the PLSB project as well as RM5mil for the construction of a closed hall at SMK Seberang Temerloh.
He also announced assistance of RM5,000 to each of the 5,100 flood-affected homeowners in 2021 and 2022 who had yet to receive aid and approved the allocation application under the Area Development Programme (PPK) under KKDW for the relocation of flood-affected residents in Lanchang and Mentakab here.
