Main image via Berita Harian
It’s a challenging time for Malaysians as our country is currently facing severe weather conditions with floods occurring and many homes destroyed.
Although floodwaters have receded, Malaysians are warned to be prepared for a second wave of floods as we are still undergoing the annual stormy monsoon season.
“We also need to be prepared for the second wave of floods, if it happens,” Prime Minister’s Ismail Sabri told reporters yesterday, according to The Sun Daily.
He said that the government has agreed to set up a special task force (chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali) for post-flood activities and in preparation for the second wave of floods.
“This post-flood work needs proper coordination as I don’t want any delay in the implementation process, including in providing assistance to flood victims.” Ismail Sabri said.
Image via Malay Mail
The task force - which will comprise the relevant agencies including the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), will hold its first meeting as early as tomorrow.
The Prime Minister shared that among matters to be discussed and decided by the task force is the coordination of the implementation of processes involved in the clean-up of houses and buildings that were affected by the floods, and on the mechanism to be used to ensure the Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) can be channelled to the victims fast.
“I also call on the relevant agencies and departments that manage cash assistance to simplify the process and eliminate the bureaucratic red tapes. They (flood victims) are already in hardship, do not cause any inconvenience to them,” the he said.
The task force will also find solutions for the management of solid waste as a result of the destruction caused by floods.
Image via CNBC
The government, through the Environment and Water Ministry (Kasa), has provided a mobile incinerator which could dispose of solid waste on site without smoke and without polluting the environment, he added.
The Prime Minister said that data is still being collected on the total losses incurred in the floods in Selangor.
“We are still in the process of 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.
“Our priority is to speed up the cleaning of their houses so that they (victims) can return home. If we do it together, this process will be faster.”
Image via CNA
Victims are still traumatised by the floods
Meanwhile, victims who were affected by the flood are still traumatised and fear the possibility of a second wave.
As reported by The Star, Muhammad Hasan Abdullah Sani, who stays in Kampung Sri Aman, Puchong, said he was worried because his house was near Sungai Klang.
“So, yes, I am kind of afraid if another one comes. I’m still a bit dazed from the first flooding because it all happened so fast.
“Now, the one thing in my mind is where do I find the money to repair my car and motorcycle,” he said.
However, Muhammad Hasan said should there be a second flood, he would be a bit more prepared this time.
“A lot of food has been bought. My valuables are already damaged so if the flood comes again, it won’t be too bad,” he said.
Image via NBC
Residents in Taman Sri Muda (Shah Alam), Ho Wei Ying and her husband Sunny Cheah, are also anxious of the possible second wave.
“I dread another power outage. But we are prepared in terms of food, torches and power banks,” said Ho.
Cheah said he particularly worried for those families who lived on the ground floor units of his apartment block.
Edward Devadason, who leads a team of volunteers in Taman Sri Muda, said the phobia of another flood was very real on the ground.
“Although there’s so much fear, people are more prepared. We know what to do, where to go.
“The sea levels are also not as high as the first flood and the flood tidal gates issues have been attended to. The support system is also more coordinated,” he said.
But while the physical support system is ready, Devadason is worried about the effects of a second wave on the people’s mental health.
“The emotional support must also be there. We need to provide encouragement and counselling to victims,” he said.
Image via Head Topics
Everyone must always be careful to take precautions and stay alert during bad weather to avoid any unwanted incidents.
It’s good to be prepared so that when an emergency happens, we know what to do, where to go and how to deal with it.
Stay safe!
Info via The Sun Daily + The Star