SHAH ALAM - Pas has called on the government to immediately introduce temporary work-from-home (WFH) arrangements and staggered working hours, particularly for employees in flood-prone areas, to prevent motorists from being stranded for hours during severe flooding.
Its information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said public safety and welfare must remain the government’s immediate priority.
He stressed that Malaysians should not have to spend up to six hours travelling home due to flood-related traffic congestion.
The Pasir Mas Member of Parliament said flexible working arrangements should be implemented proactively based on weather forecasts and early flood warnings, rather than waiting until thousands of motorists are already caught in traffic.
“We support temporary work from home (WFH) arrangements and staggered working hours, especially for public servants and employees whose duties can be performed remotely.
“The government should also encourage private sector employers to adopt similar flexible arrangements during emergencies,” he told Sinar Daily.
Ahmad Fadhli said prolonged journeys home were not merely a traffic inconvenience, but also affected family well-being, productivity and public safety.
He also called for better coordination between local authorities, traffic police and disaster management agencies to ensure timely road closure announcements, alternative routes and real-time traffic updates.
“We urge the government to take immediate action to prevent motorists from enduring hours of traffic congestion during floods.
“We demand a clear action plan with specific timelines and accountability from the relevant ministries,” he said.
Ahmad Fadhli added that Perikatan Nasional would discuss the matter through its transport portfolio team and consider raising it during the Transport Ministry of committee-stage debate in Parliament, scheduled in two weeks.
However, he stressed that the government should not wait for Parliament to address the issue, urging immediate intervention and a comprehensive emergency traffic management plan.
“The rakyat deserve solutions, not excuses, and decisive action rather than repeated promises,” he said.
He warned that if urgent action was not forthcoming, the party was prepared to convene a press conference to demand immediate answers and concrete measures from the government.