KUALA LUMPUR – There is only so much the government can do to reduce the impact of natural disasters, said Special Functions Minister Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad in responding to the ongoing floods on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, the Mersing MP pointed out that disasters are naturally unpredictable, and said the government’s duty is to reduce its impact on the public.
He also drew comparison to the major flood during the time of Prophet Nuh (Noah), saying that even when early warning was given, this was not sufficient to save lives.
“That is why we call it disasters. We cannot avoid it, but there must be efforts to minimise disaster risks,” he told the lower House today.
“If I remember correctly, there was only one disaster ever where there were signs, which was during the time of Prophet Nuh.
“Even then, lives could not be saved even when they were informed (of the disaster) earlier.
According to the Holy Quran, Prophet Nuh was told by God that a terrible flood would come, and he was ordered to build a ship to save himself and other believers.
Many, however, did not believe his story, and were washed away by the disaster known as the Great Flood.
Latiff was responding to Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (Baling-BN) who argued that the ongoing floods could have been avoided if mitigation projects had been undertaken.
The Umno veteran also pointed out that it is very rare for the east coast to be hit by floods in the months of February and March, saying that such disasters would typically occur only in January.
“This year is extraordinary. We could have avoided it. For example, across the borders from Rantau Panjang and Golok, our neighbouring Thailand had already solved their flooding issue, but on our side, this is not done.”
The east coast floods, which started last week, have affected seven districts in Kelantan and eight in Terengganu and have already claimed their first casualty, a 15-year-old boy who drowned near his house yesterday.
To a separate question, Latiff said the government is ever ready in handling the flood situation, noting that early warning was also issued by the National Disaster Management Agency to the respective state agencies.
He said initial response started as early as February 23, before the disaster hit its peak between February 26 to 28.
“Because of our cooperation with the Meteorological Department and the early information that we were able to send to the states and districts, Kelantan and Terengganu were able to carry out their works more positively.”
Latiff said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be visiting the affected locations tomorrow, adding that an announcement on financial aid and other forms of assistance can be expected then. – The Vibes, March 1, 2022
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