BALIK PULAU parliamentarian Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik hopes that early flood monitoring preparations can be made in view with the upcoming monsoon season.
He said everyone should brace for the rainy season.
He also stressed the importance of preparing now since it is only a few months away.
“I hope the state can let us (parliamentarians and assemblymen) know what can be done to mitigate the flood problem, especially in my parliamentary area,” he told reporters after visiting some of the affected families due to flashfloods in Teluk Kumbar today.
Some 300 houses at the low-lying areas were inundated with water following hours of rain last night.
Many houses were damaged due to torrential rain.
Muhammad Bakhtiar said the pump house nearby Teluk Kumbar would help to mitigate the flood woes if it is operational.
“As far as I know, it is scheduled to start operation by October this year,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who was present, noted the plight of the affected families.
“We (state) understand their predicament due to the floods and we are now preparing to assist those affected.
“We are awaiting a report on the total damage before proceeding with our assistance,” he said.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz thanked Ahmad Zakiyuddin for taking his time to visit the affected constituents.
“The pouring rain last night for about three hours had caused many areas to be flooded,” he said.
Muhammad Bakhtiar, Ahmad Zakiyuddin and Azrul also handed food items to the affected ones during the visit.
Muhammad Bakhtiar, meanwhile, also visited several flooded areas in Balik Pulau.
After the visit, he said the rainfall last night was recorded at 273mm in Bagan Air Itam and 236mm in Sungai Burung.
“After visiting the area, the pump houses in Sungai Burung and Pulau Betong need to be upgraded.
“At the same time, a flood mitigation initiative is in the pipeline to address the flood issue in Balik Pulau,” he added.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee