To the rescue: Zahid (in red) says Nadma can purchase high-powered water pumps directly from Sirim to be used in flood-hit locations once they are ready. — Bernama
KOTA TINGGI: Red tape in procurement has caused a delay in the arrival of high-powered water pumps at flood-prone areas in Johor, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
As a result, the Deputy Prime Minister has asked Sirim Bhd to produce the equipment used to flush out stagnant floodwaters instead of relying on imported products.
“The water pumps that I approved during my visits to the flood-hit locations in Kota Tinggi, Segamat and Batu Pahat last year have not arrived.
“So, I have asked Sirim to produce its own high-powered water pumps to put a stop to dependency on importing such items.
“Once the water pumps are ready, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) can purchase them directly from Sirim,” he told a press conference after visiting the temporary flood relief centre at SK Taman Kota Jaya here yesterday.
He said the institution currently produces its own mobile water filter system, which has been used to supply fresh water to flood victims and those affected by water disruptions.
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid witnessed the handing over of three mobile water filter units to the Civil Defence Force at Sungai Bang here.
He said Nadma will order 20 units of the water filters as a standby for future use.
Life goes on: Residents wade through knee-deep waters in Taman Mawai Jaya, Kota Tinggi. — Bernama
“I was also informed that the agency has given an early allocation of RM50mil to the Johor government to be distributed to flood victims.
“The aid should be handed out before the evacuees return home so that they can use the money to replace their furniture,” he added.
On the widely speculated Dubai Move, an alleged move by Perikatan Nasional to topple the unity government, Ahmad Zahid said it will not be successful, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the support of 150 of the total of 222 MPs.
He said that with the anti-hopping law in place, such a move will not become a reality.
This is despite some claiming to have obtained sufficient statutory declarations (SDs) to overthrow the government.
“To those who have big ambitions to become the PM, or the party that thinks they can propel someone as the PM, don’t waste your time.
“The rakyat has had enough. Learn from past experiences when we had three prime ministers in a single term,” added the Umno president.
It was reported that several Perikatan leaders had vehemently denied involvement in the purported plot.
However, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed that the Opposition had obtained enough SDs to form the new government.
