GEORGE TOWN – Logging and land-clearing to plant Musang King durian trees at Gunung Inas are contributing factors to the severe floods and mudflows in Baling, Kedah, said the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP).
The consumer advocate group said it had several times urged the Kedah government, Forestry Department and Baling district office to resolve the issue as tens of thousands of residents in 11 villages are paying the price in the latest disaster.
CAP found that villagers have been using water that is contaminated with mud from Gunung Inas and have lost their source of income as their agricultural land is affected by flood debris.
“The state has to pay reparations and help rebuild homes that have been swept away or damaged. CAP also urges the state to rehabilitate agricultural land in the villages,” it said in a statement today.
It warned of recurring floods if the state government fails to resolve the environmental woes there.
Meanwhile, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenaskhi Raman slammed the country’s low level of preparedness to deal with the severe effects of climate change.
“Many countries are also ill-prepared. Look at the recent floods in Sydney (Australia). We need to coax governments to do more to address climate change effects.”
Meenaskhi told journalists here that the authorities need to come up with a new development master plan where land clearing is reduced or controlled.
“We need development which is climate resilient, able to withstand heavier downpours and the rising sea levels as well as soaring humidity levels.”
She also said the blame game among politicians should stop as the consequences of climate change will be felt by everyone.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Sanusi Md Nor is expected to address the press in Baling.
Meanwhile, Penang executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said the state had deployed several volunteer firefighters and civil defence personnel to Kupang last night.
Fire trucks, ambulances and lorries have been deployed as fears mount that a small dam in the affected area is broken.
As a tropical storm is expected in the northern region, he said the states in the region need to be prepared.
He added that volunteers from Penang are helping the authorities to track down the missing flood victims.
Meanwhile, the bodies of three missing family members, including a four-month pregnant woman, were found today after strong currents swept their house away when floods hit Kg Iboi, Kupang here yesterday.
They are housewife Salmah Mat Akib, 53, her pregnant daughter-in-law Nurul Anis Abu Hassan, 23, and son Mohd Khairul Ikhwan Nor Azman, 14.
The Fire and Rescue Department announced today that Salmah and Anis were found dead at about 9.30am, while Khairul Ikhwan was found at 11.55am. – The Vibes, July 5, 2022
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