Amirudin: State govt gearing up for floods as monsoon nears

The Selangor government has made early preparations to face an anticipated monsoon beginning next month, with resources to shelters in order to assist up to 5,000 victims in the event of displacement due to floods.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said all state machinery has been placed on alert, while 10 state executive councillors have been assigned to focus on areas related to flood mitigation and management efforts.

“The Smart Selangor Operation Centre will coordinate and monitor information to the people through cooperation with the Meteorology Department,” said Amirudin during a press conference at the Selangor Secretariat building in Shah Alam.

Reflecting on past experiences, Amirudin said the state government will identify temporary shelters in flood-prone areas and send additional resources from early next month.

"So, in the event of a major flood disaster, it will not take us as long as it did in 2021 to move out residents or send in supplies for the victims.

"We are also working to upgrade facilities at flood shelters, in terms of water supply and others," he added.

In terms of flood mitigation and prevention, Amirudin said ongoing work includes clean-up efforts by all local councils, particularly to ensure clear irrigation and drainage systems in their areas.

'100 days commitments'

Meanwhile, Amirudin said the state exco meeting earlier today also made three decisions which formed a part of Pakatan Harapan and BN's five main commitments in its first 100 days after winning the state election.

The first decision is to waive an assessment tax for 426,656 low-cost and village houses in Selangor, for the period July to December this year, at a cost of RM29,415,672.50 for all local councils.

Further, Amirudin said 500 recipients of the Selangor agricultural incentive scheme will be given RM500 in cash assistance and RM500 worth of equipment or raw materials beginning Oct 31.

Lastly, he said the Selangor Religious Affairs Department will coordinate a promised increased salary for all mosque imams and officials beginning this month.

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