HULU LANGAT – The government has agreed to set up a special task force for post-flood activities and to prepare for the second wave of floods, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali will chair the task force.
“This post-flood work needs proper coordination, as I do not want any delay in the process, including in providing assistance to flood victims.
“We also need to be prepared for the second wave of floods if it happens,” he told a press conference here today after visiting areas affected by the floods in Hulu Langat, including Taman Sri Nanding and Kg Dusun Tua where cleaning work was in progress.
Ismail Sabri said the task force, which will comprise relevant agencies, including the armed forces, will hold its first meeting as early as tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said among matters to be discussed and decided by the task force would be on how to coordinate the cleaning of houses and buildings that were affected by the floods, and on the mechanism to ensure that monetary aid could be channelled to the victims as promptly as possible.
“I also call on the relevant agencies and departments that manage cash assistance to simplify the process of providing help and eliminate bureaucratic red tapes. They (flood victims) are already facing hardship. Do not inconvenience them,” he added.
He said the task force would also find solutions for solid waste management in the aftermath of the destruction caused by the floods.
The government, through the Environment and Water Ministry, had provided a mobile incinerator which could dispose of solid waste in situ without smoke and without polluting the environment, he added.
Apart from that, he said, the government was also collecting data on the total losses incurred in the floods in Selangor.
“We are still cleaning up, still studying (losses). Data is being collected. There will be an economic impact, but we do not know to what extent and we will wait for a report from the relevant ministry,” he said.
Meanwhile, the prime minister expressed his gratitude to volunteers, non-governmental organisations, members of the security forces as well as agencies, and Malaysians at large for their involvement in post-flood relief activities throughout the country.
“Our priority is to speed up the work of cleaning their houses so that they (victims) can return home. If we do it together, this process will be faster,” he added. – Bernama, December 26, 2021
