SHAH ALAM, Nov 29 — As the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) lifts the continuous rain warning for Selangor, with weather to improve after today, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said 5,000 volunteers will be deployed in 24 hours after water recede for post-flood cleanup.
He said this is to help residents restore their homes to liveable condition after they leave temporary relief centres (PPS).
He added that leaves for all state, district and local authority officers have been frozen until December 15 to enhance disaster preparedness, especially amid inclement weather.
“I want to thank all agencies for their efforts and commitment in working nonstop over the past week, led by the state secretary and district officers.
“This includes the State Disaster Management Unit (UPBN), Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas), Social Welfare Department (JKM), Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), volunteers, and state executive councillors, who have ensured that each resident affected by floods have been helped,” Amirudin said in a statement today.
He also provided updates on Selangor’s flood situation, saying that 4,463 victims are sheltering at 33 PPS in Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang, Kuala Langat, and Sepang.
“The number of residents affected has risen due to the flow of water from northern Selangor to Kuala Langat and Sepang.
“To expedite the push of water to rivers, Selangor JPS has installed four pumps in Kuala Selangor to prevent water from stagnating for too long. Six more pump units will be added tomorrow to expedite the process,” he said.
In another development, Amirudin said JBPM received an emergency call late last night about a car caught in floodwaters near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“Three victims in the car managed to save themselves, but one victim hasn’t been found and is feared drowned. The victim is a police personnel serving at the Nilai Police Station.
“JBPM and PDRM are pursuing a search-and-rescue operation, assisted by additional assets of two boats by the UPBN. The state government will contact the victim’s family … and I hope the victim is found and rescued,” he added.
This afternoon, MetMalaysia lifted continuous rain warnings for several states including Selangor, as Tropical Storm Senyar weakened and lashings of heavy rain in the peninsula ceased.
