MIC president G Palanivel has refuted the claim that he has done nothing to tackle the flood problems in his parliamentary constituency.

He was responding to Pahang ruler Sultan Ahmad Shah, who unleashed a caustic salvo against the Cameron Highlands lawmaker.

"What has he done? Nothing... the people are suffering mentally and physically when such a tragedy happens.

"The people voted and chose him during the last election; is this what he gives them?" said the ruler yesterday.

In his defence, Palanivel said that the matter required serious attention, and not finger pointing.

"Many things had already happened even before I was elected as MP.

"But I am sure we can rehabilitate Cameron Highlands and stop the massive environmental degradation that has happened," he added in a statement today.

Cameron Highlands was hit by another mudslide recently, which killed five people, including a 13-year-old student.

Meanwhile, Palanivel said he shared a good relationship with the ruler.

"I will explain everything to His Highness, both the good and bad. I am certain the sultan's concern for the land and his rakyat is genuine and his heart is always on their welfare.

"Let us all realise that we are equal stakeholders and work to save Cameron Highlands," he added.

'I have donated money to the victims'

Palanivel, who also faced a call from MIC strategy director S Vell Paari to step down , said that since he was elected as MP of Cameron Highlands last year, he had visited the area numerous times.

"Flood disaster is a serious perennial issue for many years now. The recent deaths have only increased grave concern.

"The government is committed to finding a long term solution. As an immediate measure, the government has allocated RM40 million for flood mitigation for Bertam Valley," he added.

Palanivel, who is also natural resources and environment minister, said he had raised the Cameron Highlands issues several times with the prime minister and during cabinet meetings.

"I have also held discussions with Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob.

"The government takes a serious view on illegal land clearing which has been going on. One more immediate effort to be taken in resolving this issue is an intensive tree planting project.

"Besides that, I have also requested funding from the federal government for the Ringlet river mitigation works," he said.

"I have already held discussions with the district officer, the land office the Forestry Department on this matter and am working together with the Reach chairperson other NGOs.

"The Immigration Department is also taking action against illegal workers and their employers in Cameron Highlands," he added.

According to Palanivel, he also met 75 residents affected by the flood and donated RM1,000 each.

"With the recent disaster, both the PM and DPM have taken the matter seriously.

"As a result of the Cameron Highlands flood meeting, chaired by DPM, it was resolved that a more concerted effort should be taken which will prevent such occurrences in future," he added.

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