Flood mitigation projects to be expedited: PM

PUTRAJAYA – Implementation of flood mitigation projects will be expedited, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican had been instructed to take action to hasten the projects.

“I have asked the Treasury to speed up the tender process,” he said when flagging off a post-flood civil service volunteer team to Johor here today.

A total of 1,520 civil servants representing various ministries, departments, and government agencies are participating in the two-day post-flood mission, particularly in areas in Batu Pahat district.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Department in conjunction with today’s event, the mission will focus on the cleaning of medical and educational facilities, government buildings, and public places.

On March 17, Anwar instructed all ministry machinery to help post-flood operations in Johor and said that the Finance Ministry had approved an additional RM150 million allocation for the purpose.

At the event today, the prime minister expressed his appreciation to the civil servants who participated in the post-flood mission in Johor.

“Your participation in this mission can help to ease the burden of the flood victims. I pray that we can all carry out our duties sincerely and be blessed,” he said.

Anwar said students and non-governmental organisations should also assist in the post-flood mission in Johor.

Yesterday, the number of flood victims in Batu Pahat was reported to have dropped to 7,972 following the closure of three evacuation centres.

Also present at the event today were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. – Bernama, March 21, 2023