Wan Junaidi: RM39 billion for flood mitigation works

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Wan Junaidi (seated, centre), with Feona on his right, joins a photo-call with the MRP recipients.

Wan Junaidi (seated, centre), with Feona on his right, joins a photo-call with the MRP recipients.

KUCHING: Putrajaya has allocated RM39 billion for the implementation of flood mitigation projects nationwide.

On this, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said many assemblymen (ADUNs) had approached him to discuss about funds for these projects in their respective constituencies, but no decision would be made pending further talks with the chief minister and the prime minister.

“A few billions is involved and so, I will not just discuss it with the ADUNs but will go into details at national-level with the prime minister. We are aware of the flooding problems in places such as Nangka in Sibu and Kidurong in Bintulu.

“I will discuss in details with our chief minister so that he can decide which projects are of top priority. RM39 billion is an enormous amount,” he said when met by reporters yesterday after handing out Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds worth RM114,500 to 41 organisations at his parliamentary service centre near Jalan Kulas here.

Wan Junaidi said his ministry was also in the midst of implementing a comprehensive flood warning system by setting up stations at major rivers nationwide to monitor the rising water and sea levels.

However, he said the government had yet to decide how many of such stations would be established.

“Last time, we had this warning system at the sea, and now we are going to include major rivers across the country. In Sarawak, the major ones would be Sungai Sarawak, Sungai Rajang and Sungai Baram.

“All the stations will have direct links in Kuala Lumpur where the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is headquartered. At the same time, all the state DIDs will receive the real-time information. We will be warned of possible flood prior to the actual happening.”

He pointed out that the enhanced warning system would enable the community to take precautions as well as the rescue squads including the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) to take immediate actions.

“It is a very vital system for us to prevent and tackle floods. To enhance public awareness on the importance of river cleanliness, my ministry will launch a series of campaigns beginning early next year involving schools, universities and the community at large.”

On a separate issue, Wan Junaidi said the naming contest for the newborn panda had closed, after receiving overwhelming response from all across the country.

He said a total of 22,830 entries had been received — rather an unexpected response given that the last similar contest registered only 4,000 participants.

“When we opened the naming process for the parents last time, only 4,000 people participated. This time around, we have (received) more participants — thanks to attractive prizes.”

A press statement issued at the time of interview listed Mei Mei, Ying Ying, Xiang Xiang, Yuan Yuan, Zi Yan and Zhen Zhen as among the proposed names for the newborn.

“The result would be announced next February in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebrations at the National Zoo.

“While Perodua Myvi is the first prize, consolation winners will also walk away with Demak Rino motorcycle, Demak DJ 90 motorcycle, 42-inch plasma TV and cash RM2,000,” the statement said.

Wan Junaidi attended the function with his wife Datin Sri Feona.