Set up multi-agency panel to put flood mitigation plans in action, says Simpang Pulai rep

IPOH: A special consolidated committee is needed to look into drainage and utility systems to prevent floods in Perak, says a state assemblyman.

Simpang Pulai representative Wong Chai Yi said with the state assembly having passed a motion for a special conference to be held on extreme weather phenomena, climate change and flash floods, the next step would be to set up an action committee.

Wong, who proposed the motion for the conference which was passed on July 11, hopes the conference will be held this year.

“It is very important to have a committee overseeing these matters to (take preventive steps) and not just take action after disaster strikes,” she said when contacted on Wednesday (July 17).

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Wong said without such a consolidated committee, the issue of jurisdiction involving the various government agencies and private sector would be difficult to address.

"The committee could also come up with stringent measures at new development project sites,” she added.

Wong said the committee would ensure that action is taken on the conference findings and resolutions.

“It is pointless to just take short-term action after a flood. Prevention is more effective.

“A proper master plan for the entire drainage and utilities system in the state is greatly required, especially now with the unpredictable weather and climate change,” she added.

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

“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 people of Perak deal with the challenges of extreme weather phenomena, climate change and flash floods, which... needs more comprehensive and fast attention," she had said.

Wong had also said that 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.

She said the concept not only strengthened drainage systems to prevent floods but also effectively collected rainwater to ensure water sources were not affected.