YAN – Kedah will get RM75 million specifically for infrastructure repairs following the state’s recent flood disaster.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, during a visit to the affected areas today, said the allocation will go towards, among others, the construction of two new bridges here, a drainage system and a sabo dam, and repairs to damaged padi fields.
“I’m also providing a RM3 million allocation to the Rural Development Ministry specifically to help residents repair their damaged homes,” he told the press.
“Also, the National Disaster Management Agency has approved a RM500 assistance for each affected household, and RM5,000 for the families of six victims who died.”
Earlier, Ismail Sabri began his official duties by visiting flood victims in Taman Lembah Merbok, Kuala Muda, as well as the site of the flooding at Gunung Jerai.
He presented personal donations to residents at Jamek Badlishah Mosque here.
He called for assistance to be expedited, especially to repair damaged infrastructure.
“I want it to be expedited, it cannot be delayed. If it is late, it will affect people’s lives. We don’t want that to happen.”
Meanwhile, Environment and Water Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Zaini Ujang said his team is not ruling out the possibility of another mud flood if the “scar” on Gunung Jerai is not addressed.
The only way to prevent floods from recurring is by building a sabo dam, he said.
“We need at least three sabo dams, each of which costs RM20 million.
“The situation depends on the weather. If there is heavy rain again, we’re not ruling out that a similar incident could happen once more.”
Sabo dams are built in mountains’ upstream areas to accumulate sediment, and suppress its production and flow. They work as a direct barrier to debris flow. – The Vibes, August 23, 2021
