Perak to hold special conference on extreme weather and flooding

IPOH: The Perak state assembly has passed a motion for a special conference to be held on the issue of extreme weather phenomena, climate change and flash floods that will impact the people's lives.

Wong Chai Yi (PH-Simpang Pulai) proposed the motion at the assembly meeting here on Thursday (July 11).

Speaker Datuk Mohammed Zahir Abdul Khalid then called for a vote and the motion was unanimously passed.

In her winding-up speech, Wong said a special conference refers to a meeting held outside the regular schedule to discuss urgent issues requiring immediate attention.

“A special conference is not a special council meeting. Only the Sultan can allow the State Legislative Assembly to meet.

“When we bring this proposal to the assembly, and it is approved, we will be (allowed) to conduct this special conference.

“This is... to find ways to help the people of Perak deal with the challenges of extreme weather phenomena, climate change and flash floods, which... needs more comprehensive and fast attention,” she said.

A total of six assemblymen from the Opposition bloc and the ruling coalition took part in the debate on the motion.

Wong also said Perak was one of the earliest states to advocate the use of rainwater collection and utilisation systems in 2012, as part of the "sponge city" concept adopted by many countries for flood management.

“The concept not only strengthens drainage systems to prevent floods but also effectively collects rainwater to ensure water sources are not affected.

“This also meets the main goal of urban planning, which is the efficient and sustainable use of resources.

“I am confident that with a special conference as a platform, all departments and agencies can carry out their duties with a clearer concept (of the situation),” she said.

Wong said balancing development and environmental protection was needed not only from urban planning units, but also by experts on smart cities, low-carbon cities, green technology, and NGOs involved in environmental protection.