TELUK INTAN: A total of RM267mil had been approved this year to upgrade equipment for search and rescue (SAR) missions, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic).
He said the ministry has allocated substantial funds to keep the Fire and Rescue Department fully prepared for emergencies at all times.
“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, we also approved RM1.3bil for the department to acquire critical assets, because we never know when a disaster will strike,” he said.
He was responding to a question about strengthening the department’s SAR operations, especially following the case of supply chain executive Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who was found safe in Tapah, Perak, on Saturday after she was reported missing on May 24.
She was part of a climbing expedition on the Trans Spencer Chapman trail that had begun their climb on May 23.
Nga said the ministry will provide written details on the estimated costs of Jaslinda’s rescue.
“What matters most is that she was found. That’s our priority. Of course, every mission has weaknesses. We will find the causes and fix them,” he said when asked about communication issues, which was one of the challenges in the search.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a briefing on the Sungai Perak Phase 1 Integrated River Basin Development Project and other related works in the Hilir Perak district yesterday, Bernama reported.
According to Nga, Teluk Intan is expected to be declared a flood-free zone by 2028 through the implementation of the Phase Two Teluk Intan flood mitigation plan, which is currently in progress.
He said the high-impact project, valued at RM80.5mil, will bring an end to more than five decades of flood-related concerns among residents.
It is scheduled for completion on May 19, 2028.
“In less than 30 months, we will witness a new face of Teluk Intan. Once this project is completed, it will feature dedicated cycling and jogging tracks. Plans are also in place for a floating restaurant.
“I am confident that when this project is completed in 2028, we will be able to declare Teluk Intan a flood-free zone,” he said.
Nga also launched the Teluk Intan flood mitigation plan Zone A Phase Two project, which commenced in December last year.
He expressed confidence that the Teluk Intan project would emerge as a new tourism attraction for the town, complementing the iconic Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan with its recreational facilities and planned floating restaurant.
When the Teluk Intan project is completed, he said the ministry will undertake a beautification programme in collaboration with various agencies and departments, including a large-scale tree-planting initiative.
“We have identified the white bucida tree for planting along the 7km cycling and jogging corridor.
“We are also launching a tree donation campaign at RM1,000 for one tree. The donors’ names will be permanently engraved on the trees as a tribute to their contribution,” he said.
