State govt will strive to resolve flood issues, says mentri besar
SHAH ALAM: The state administration has accepted with an open heart Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s reprimand over the flooding problem in Selangor, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (pic).
In his pledge of allegiance speech on the occasion of His Royal Highness’ 79th birthday, Amirudin acknowledged that the Sultan’s rebuke reflected his concern for the people and the state.
“To date, Your Highness’ government has established a joint task force consisting of federal, state and local government agencies for the flood mitigation efforts to be looked at in entirety.
“In fact, I recently emphasised to the state executive councillors that we cannot delay mobilising flood mitigation efforts, whether in river deepening projects or the widening of drainage and dual-function catchment ponds,’’ he said.
The Mentri Besar was addressing comments made by Sultan Sharafuddin last week lambasting the state government and the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) over its flooding problem and lack of hygiene.
The Ruler has bristled over the frequent flooding occurring in the state due to the garbage-filled Sungai Klang as well as clogged and unmanaged drains.
“I have many times spoken with and advised the local authorities and state government to initiate effective measures and careful planning to overcome the flooding problem that constantly occurs in the Klang Royal City and several other districts in Selangor,’’ Sultan Sharafuddin had said in his royal address at the inauguration of the Klang Chinese Muslim Jamek Mosque on Dec 5.
According to Amirudin, about RM1.774bil has been allocated to mitigate flooding in the state. Out of this total, RM574.5mil is for the Klang district which covers Sungai Klang, Section 25 Shah Alam, Sungai Kapar, Sungai Rasah, Meru town and Sungai Rasau.As for the Petaling district, RM1.2bil has been allocated for the purpose in Sungai Damansara as well as dual-function catchment ponds for Sungai Klang and Sungai Rasau, he added.
He conveyed his commitment to expediting the implementation process of the projects and avoiding delays like what had happened previously due to the culture of working in silos at the agency level.
“Your Highness’ government will strive to be more tenacious and alert in facing the challenges of climate change and ensure matters such as land management involving existing highways or railway lines will no longer be an obstacle to flood mitigation efforts,” added Amirudin.
