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MP: Continuing S'wak floods shows gov't lack of concern
Published:  Feb 9, 2016 4:52 PM
Updated: 9:22 AM

Delays in flood mitigation measures in Sarawak show Putrajaya's lack of concern for the people, said a DAP lawmaker today.

"For the government not to prioritise the need of these projects, delaying them and also putting a condition on these developments based on the country’s financial situation shows that the people’s interest are not taken care of especially those who are heavily affected by these floods," Stampin MP Julian Tan said in a statement.

Tan cited a reply he received from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Deputy Minister Hamim Samuri that said that phase two of flood mitigation works in Sarawak would only be carried out in 2016-2017.

This is on condition that the government was able to bear the cost of the RM584 million needed for the project, Tan quoted Hamim as saying.

Tan also blamed local councils for not maintaining and upgrading the drainage systems in Kuching and urged them to do better.

Local councils should also advise property developers on how to plan out proper drainage systems when developing their projects, he added.

Tan said floods in Kuching were a yearly occurrence and steps should have been taken by now to rectify the situation.

His statement comes after he delivered aid to flood victims in Kuching on the first day of the Chinese New Year yesterday.

He thanked the civil defence department, the fire and rescue services department and various volunteers for all their hard work in helping the victims.

The flood situation in Sarawak is currently worsening, with the number of evacuees spiking from 617 last night, to almost 2,700 this morning.

The situation is expected to be more dire when high tide occurs between 5pm to 7pm today.

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