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KUALA LUMPUR – The National Disaster Management Agency’s (Nadma) inefficiency in managing the ongoing flood disaster has many questioning why many Malaysians were left trapped in their houses or on roofs for days waiting to be rescued.
Some victims were trapped inside their inundated houses for a few days while many had no choice but to stay on rooftops enduring hunger and the cold.
This has prompted Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia vice-president Zairudin Hashim to urge Nadma to provide a thorough explanation for the lack of assets deployed for rescue operations.
He told Getaran the public is currently furious and very upset with Nadma’s delay in helping stranded victims leading to the loss of lives.
“It’s not that Nadma personnel did not do their work at all, but the reality is that the agency has to answer for the delay as it involves human lives. There must be an explanation from the government and agencies involved.
“They are obligated to explain to the public why there was a lack of boats to help victims even in a severely flooded area. Nadma and the ministers responsible must give an explanation on the matter.”
Zairudin added that the government’s delay also caused the rescue teams and certain non-government organisations (NGOs) to be on the receiving end of public criticism and insults.
“This is why there are allegations that NGOs were late. However, we were volunteering while security forces had to wait for instructions from their superiors. This proves that there was no clear coordination by Nadma.
“It is time for Nadma to play a role in preparing for a second wave, and ensure that each agency is prepared, especially in mobilising rescue personnel to provide immediate assistance,” he said.
At the same time, Zairudin said, there is an urgent need for the government to review the drainage system in the Klang Valley and make improvements.
“Incomplete drainage and systems that need to be repaired, as well as clogged drains, were among the causes of floods, as raised by Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar in Parliament months ago.
“The measures include carrying out flash flood risk assessments, building urban drainage system infrastructure, and strict enforcements against the public, construction contractors, hawkers, and irresponsible parties,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dewan Pemuda Ikatan Malaysia chief Shahir Adnan urged the government to conduct a holistic analysis of the major floods currently hitting the country.
He said it is not appropriate for ministers to turn the flood situation into political propaganda and use boats to carry officers and escorts just for the sake of photo opportunities.
“For the sake of survival, financial assistance must be channelled as soon as possible without red tape.
“Nadma, which was established after the major floods in 2014, has apparently failed to act quickly,” Shahir said.
He said the Malaysian Meteorological Department had issued an early warning on the downpour, but there were no additional warnings by any party to raise public awareness on its severity.
Because of that, he said, many assumed that it would just be another downpour as usually experienced by the country.
“We are proud to display all these ‘treasures’ and assets during our Merdeka Day parades – small boats, sampans, amphibious vehicles, and so on – but they were not mobilised quickly.
“Instead, Malaysians mobilised themselves, acting quickly to bring private boats to rescue flood victims.” – The Vibes, December 28, 2021
