A motion to compel the Public Works Department (PWD) to allocate funds for flood mitigation works in flood-prone Klang was rejected by the Dewan Rakyat today.

The Speaker, rejecting the motion through a letter, said it was because he “understood there is already a (flood mitigation) plan in place (for Klang) by the federal government and works are ongoing”.

NONE DAP's Klang MP Charles Santiago ( left ) who submitted the motion under Standing Order 18(2) for House business to be suspended under Section 18(1) to discuss the matter, expressed his disappointment as this was the last recourse for the rakyat in the area.

“Since Parliament rejected the motion, where can the people of Klang turn to?” Santiago lamented, pointing out that the floods which hit Klang twice recently was the worst in its history.

He told a press conference that though Selangor government had pledged help, there is a financial limit to what the state can provide, adding that such a massive undertaking as this requires federal intervention.

PKR's Kapar MP S Manikavasagam, who was also at the press conference, told BN to stop accusing the Pakatan-led state government of being the culprit behind the floods as it was an ongoing problem that had been unaddressed for 30 to 40 years.

“Stop accusing us, this is a natural disaster,” he hit out.

The emergency motion tabled by Santiago wanted the Dewan Rakyat to compel the PWD to fast track the flood mitigation plan for Klang which was prepared in 2009 but is yet to be implemented.

He also wanted the House to compel PWD to release in stages funding for the flood mitigation works so that work can begin soon.