IN a visit to flood-stricken areas in Pahang, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has called on the unity government to accelerate the implementation of planned flood mitigation projects in the state.
Emphasising the urgency of the situation, the King urged authorities to prioritise the construction of flood mitigation structures without being mired in political considerations.
“I hope the government can expedite the flood mitigation projects which have been planned by the local authorities in the state. I also hope there will be no politics involved in this matter.
“It is best to take it seriously and urgently build flood mitigation structures across Pahang.”
During his visit to the temporary relief centre at Dewan Semai Bakti Felda Chini 1, Pekan, the King expressed concern for the flood victims alongside Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah. The event was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, State Public Works Department director Hafizah Zakaria, Pahang police chief Datuk Yahaya Othman and Pekan district officer Datuk Zaliza Zulkipli.
His Majesty also stressed the significance of maintaining cleanliness in the temporary relief centers to ensure the well-being of evacuees, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 still exists. I don’t want there to be other diseases we have to deal with after the floods. Don’t take hygiene issues lightly, always take care of cleanliness.”
Expressing sympathy towards the flood victims, the King hoped for a swift return to normalcy for those affected. He presented donations to the victims, extending support to the family of Adhwa Haslan, a plantation worker who tragically lost his life in the floodwaters of Ladang Sungai Bebar Utara Nenasi last Monday (Jan 8).
As of noon today, the State Disaster Management Committee secretariat reported 1,195 flood evacuees across 17 relief centers with 975 in Pekan alone. The King’s visit and call for expedited flood mitigation projects underscore the pressing need for immediate action to address the aftermath of the floods in Pahang. – Jan 11, 2023
Main photo credit: Bernama