KUALA LUMPUR: The government has taken proactive steps to strengthen preparedness and early warning systems to address the risk of a second wave of floods, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that although weather conditions are difficult to predict accurately, the current priority is the early evacuation of residents, especially those living in high-risk areas.
“We cannot predict it precisely but this second wave is expected to affect the East Coast and spread beyond coastal areas of Kelantan and Terengganu to Pahang, Johor, as well as Sarawak.
“What is important is preparedness and early warning systems that have been put in place, so that evacuations can be carried out early to prevent loss of life and to ensure that victims from high-risk areas are ready to be moved to temporary evacuation centres,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee.
He said after a working visit to Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI) yesterday, Bernama reported.
On Sunday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued warnings across several states of continuous heavy rain which is expected to last until Thursday.
Severe continuous rainfall has been forecast across Kelantan and Terengganu with warnings issued for parts of Pahang, including Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin, as well as Mersing and Kota Tinggi in Johor.
Continuous rain alerts were also issued for Perak (Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar), Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Jerantut, Temerloh, Maran and Bera) and Johor (Segamat, Kluang, Pontian, Kulai and Johor Baru).
Sarawak, including Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu and Mukah, will see continuous rainfall.
On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid said the government would address any disputes arising from the land premium issue between Felda and the Terengganu government.
He said cooperation between the Federal Government through Felda and FGV, together with the Terengganu government, particularly the state secretary, would continue to be strengthened to find the best solution to any outstanding issues.
“There is nothing that cannot be negotiated. Our priority is the interests and welfare of settlers,” he said.
According to reports, the Terengganu government agreed to extend the remediation period by one month until Jan 7, following positive developments in negotiations with Felda.
Terengganu state secretary Datuk Zulkifli Ali said after a notice of offence under the National Land Code was issued, the state government held several rounds of discussions with Felda’s top management to seek a comprehensive resolution to the matter.
