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SEREMBAN – The Negri Sembilan Irrigation and Drainage Department must take quick steps and find the reason for the frequent flash floods in several parts of the state, said Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Aminuddin said the department must look at the various solutions needed to overcome the situation, such as the need to upgrade drainage to avoid flash floods everytime it rained heavily in such areas.
“The reason for frequent floods lately must be looked at comprehensively to find out whether flooding is caused by poor drainage that needs to be upgraded. Such problems must be given due consideration,” he told reporters after chairing the state executive councillor meeting at Wisma Negeri, here today.
Aminuddin said he was happy with the roles played by all agencies in preparing to face floods.
The menteri besar added that as part of preparations to face the floods, the Fire and Rescue Department would receive three boats to assist victims.
“Yesterday we tested three boats that would be handed to the Fire and Rescue Department soon and I was told these boats will be suitable for such situations… however, we hope and pray that there will be no major floods in the state or country,” he said.
Aminuddin said the frequent landslides in the state was also a cause for concern that must be looked at seriously because it can endanger residences as well as damage roads, forcing them to be closed.
He said immediate action has been taken by the relevant authorities like the Public Works Department, Seremban City Council, local government, and the Malaysian Road Records Information System to identify and appoint contractors to repair damaged roads.
“The overall cost for repairs is being assessed, especially for damage along Jalan Bukit Berlian 5, Taman Bukit Berlian, Lobak which involves almost RM3 million. Recently a number of landslides occurred in several parts of the state and the most recent one was at Taman Saujana, Jempol,” he said.
Yesterday, Seremban Mayor Datuk Masri Razali visited several areas affected by landslides, such as Jalan Duyung 7, Taman Duyung where slope protection is needed and at No. 666 Jalan S2 H20, Park Avenue where the the city council has mobilised a task force to clear debris as well as repair the damaged slope.
He also visited a residence at No. 231, Jalan TBS 9, Taman Bunga Sejati, Rantau where a landslide was reported. – Bernama, December 7, 2022