SHAH ALAM, Nov 6 — The Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) has ordered the immediate cessation of development work in Puncak Alam amid the flood mitigation plan and Environmental Impact Assessment's review.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that it also ordered Jalan Batu Arang in Rawang to be temporarily closed by the Public Works Department following a slope collapse, to allow repair works to be carried out.
"Both small- and large-scale flood mitigation works statewide, particularly in high-risk areas, must be expedited urgently rather than carried out according to conventional schedules, given that rain is expected almost every day.
"Recent rainfall that has caused flooding in several areas has disrupted people’s lives, particularly those commuting to and from work and parents picking up their children from school. This has led to anxiety whenever it starts to rain.
"Every criticism voiced by the public against government agencies must be received openly, with a commitment to redoubling efforts to assist flood victims and prevent flooding from recurring day after day," he said in a statement tonight.
Amirudin acknowledged that the public cannot be expected to accept excuses from any agency when floods occur, as they want to live in safety without having to worry about their own well-being or that of their loved ones.
"We are facing a climate change crisis, and our approach to flood mitigation must match the challenges we are confronting to prevent any harm to the public.
"In addition, the state government will also expedite and increase assistance for flood victims currently staying at temporary relief centres (PPS), while accelerating efforts to repair and clean their homes through state agencies and Yayasan MBI," he said.
To this, the National Disaster Management Agency and the state government will channel up to RM1,500 to victims at PPS to ease their financial burden during this period while repair works are carried out.
"Early warnings will also be issued to road users in areas where water levels on roads are at risk of rising, while the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) carries out urgent water diversion works.
"All agencies have been given collective responsibility to speed up the maintenance of drains and rivers, with work to be carried out promptly and without delay," Amirudin said.
