SIBU: The Public Works Department (JKR) and environment ministries could study estate and township development, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and flood mitigation following devastating floods that hit several states recently.
“And responsible agencies to enforce proper observation of EIA and development proposal including logging and any deforestation activities,” suggested Deputy Home Affairs Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (pic).
This was in addition to the strengthening of standard operating procedure (SOP) for flood.
He said this when asked on suggestion by Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof reported in Bernama that the standard operating procedure (SOP) in handling disasters in the country be reviewed to make it more effective, including the mobilising of rescue officers and workers to disaster areas.
Fadillah was further quoted to have called for more community leaders and non-governmental organisations involvement in rescue and relief operations for disaster victims.
Wan Junaidi, who is Santubong MP, reiterated that the SOP for flood is to be studied and drafted in a more comprehensive way in all aspect.
“From the chain of command at national and state level right down to district level, the training, equipment and preparation of rescue agencies, their asset and facilities, including shelter areas and helicopter landing pads.”
He told a press conference in Kuching that the devastating floods that hit several states recently had exposed poor preparedness in government departments and agencies involved in search and rescue operations when dealing with extreme weather and dangerous waters.
He cited an incident in Kelantan when the outboard engine of a police boat was too weak to go against the strong river current resulting in the boat being swept back despite the full throttle of the engine.
Wan Junaidi also said many agencies involved in search and rescue missions during the floods in Kelantan, Pahang and in Sarawak had complained of inadequate equipment and transport.
Hence, he instructed the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) and People’s Volunteer Corp (Rela) to highlight to the government the assets required for their search and rescue missions.
Poor equipment not only endanger the rescue personnel but also hinder rescue efforts, delivery of food and medical supplies to victims, he noted.