The Malaysian Insight

THE Pahang government must take steps to help people affected by the floods, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said today.

The opposition leader also called on timber companies to take responsibility for the part they played in the floods.

“Although Pahang is used to floods, the state government must be proactive in reducing the burden of those affected,” he said after a visit to Ketari, in Bentong, Pahang.

“We also see the effects of uncontrolled logging in the state. Other than the state government, timber companies operating in Pahang, which make a profit from logging, must give aid to those affected.

“They too are also responsible for what has happened.”

Earlier today, Sabai assemblyman Kamache Doray Rajoo told The Malaysian Insight that post-flood clean up in Karak has been severely affected by the number of logs in the river and on the road.

She said the state and federal governments owed the people an explanation.

Anwar, the PKR president and MP for Port Dickson, also asked volunteers trying to help in Sri Muda and other areas in the Klang Valley to consider the congestion they are creating.

“In my visit to several areas, such as Sri Muda, there is a large number of volunteers, leading to congestion in and out of the area.

“We cannot stop individuals who would like to help, but when there is congestion, it gets in the way of the local councils trying to collect rubbish.”

The Port Dickson MP said residents complained they can no longer bear the stench of the rubbish.

“People who live there are desperate. They are also worried that it may lead to disease.”

A heavy downpour last weekend caused widespread flooding across the peninsula, displacing tens of thousands of people and leaving 47 dead. Five people are still missing.

The government has come under severe criticism for the delay in responding to the crisis. – December 26, 2021.