Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing
KUCHING: Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing proposes that the government build more multi-purpose dams on rivers which caused floods throughout the country.
“Build multi-purpose dams on rivers which cause flooding. The purposes are for flood mitigation, hydroelectric power (HEP) and irrigation. For example, since Bakun HEP Dam was built, severe flooding in Sibu is a thing of the past,” Masing told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s statement that the government would make flood mitigation projects its top priority under the coming 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020).
Masing, also PRS president, pointed out that in China, the Three Gorges Dam was built for multi-purpose use such as for flood mitigation, HEP, irrigation and transportation.
“Floods cause millions and untold miseries every year in China. The Three Gorges Dam was the solution,” said Masing.
The Baleh assemblyman also urged that there should be reduced deforestation which will allow slower run-off into the rivers.
“This will reduce flash flood. This requires ‘smart’ development planning. The initial cost may be huge but in the long run, it’s cheaper in terms of people’s (endless) misery and in money spent for reconstruction because of destruction by flood.
“For this to work, it requires the belief that this will be the long-term solution and most important, the political will to walk the talk. The decision-makers will be barraged by all types of arguments but if we are firm in our solution, stay strong, after all that is what leadership is all about – lead,” stressed Masing.
Najib had made his comments on the current flood situation in several states in West Malaysia, which has been described by some as the worst since 1967.