Floods: Govt agencies urged to issue report on safe location to rebuild victims homes

BALING - Relevant government agencies have been urged to immediately issue a transparent and comprehensive report on a safe location for the construction of 17 new houses, for victims who lost their homes and suffered severe damage to the point of being uninhabitable, due to the recent flooding and water surge phenomenon.

Baling Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said this was because there were only a few government agencies that could issue detailed reports so that the resettlement of victims could be expedited.

"Right now, in the recovery phase, we have to repair the damaged houses and rebuild those destroyed. That is why we ask for a transparent and honest report from them, whether it is safe or not,” he told reporters after attending a donation presentation ceremony for the disaster victims, at the Kampung Padang Empang community hall near here today.

The event was officiated by Kimanis MP and acting chairman of the Dewan Rakyat Infrastructure Development Select Committee, Yusuf Abdul Wahab. Also present were Jerai MP Sabri Azit and Tenom MP Noorita Sual.

Abdul Azeez said if their existing living area was confirmed safe, then the construction of new houses could be expedited. However, in the event that it is not safe then they need to look at other more suitable areas.

"Next Monday Parliament will convene; the first question I want to ask the government is whether it is safe or not to rebuild houses in this area. As many as 17 houses were destroyed, not all of them sit on reserve land; they sit on their own land which has a title,” he said.

He also said that the flooding and water surge phenomenon on July 4 had changed the landscape in the area, especially for those living near Lata Celak and the surrounding areas.

"From Lata Celak to the villagers' homes, the water is now level with the river; that's why the victims do not want to live there, they are traumatised. The victims want to know if it is safe for them to continue living there or if other recommendations are available for them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yusuf said the Dewan Rakyat Infrastructure Development Select Committee would submit several proposals on efforts to repair and rebuild infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

"One of the proposals is for the construction of a new bridge in Kampung Iboi, to be built higher than the damaged original bridge.

"We will also ask the relevant ministries to deepen the river, which has become shallow due to floods; upgrade the drainage system as well as build a bund along the river,” he said.

He said a complete report would be submitted to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, to be forwarded to the relevant agencies by next week. - BERNAMA