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Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and and MP for Kepong on flood mitigation in Malaysia. 3.1.2002.

Just as other places in the world, Malaysia has floods. These may not be as catastrophic as those in countries such as U.S.A., China, India or Bangladesh. But, we need to pay more attention on projects to mitigate these floods. If these are efficiently implemented, we can reduce the number of floods especially flash floods.

Flash floods in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang cause tremendous havoc. The annual flooding in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor make life difficult.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Federal Government are doing something in KL. For example, this year KLCH and the Government
have allocated RM129 million to mitigate floods in the city. The total
allocation for the purpose by the Government is RM195,500,000.

According to KLCH budget the Federal Government allocates RM109.1 million for flood mitigation whereas the federal budget shows RM195,500,000. Why is there a difference of RM86,400,000? We hope the Datuk Bandar Col. Datuk Mohamad Shaid will explain.

In 2002, total allocation for flood mitigation in the whole country is
RM504,849,960 including RM112,249,960 for Selangor, RM116,700,000 for Kedah, RM19,200,000 Penang, RM5,600,000 Terengganu, RM 6,200,000 Kelantan and RM10,900,000 Johor.

EFFECTIVENESS

Granted we need cooperation from the people to make all these projects
successful. But, the Government must improve the systems for awarding
tender, implementation, monitoring and maintenance. How is the Government awarding contracts that cost RM504,849,960?

After the big flood in KL in the early eighties last century, the Government implemented flood mitigation schemes in KL and Selangor. But, until now some of the projects especially in Selangor have not been completed. Why?

Now, the Government is studying the complete solution to the KL floods such as the construction of water diversion tunnels and water retention ponds in the city with an estimate of RM2 billion. To whom will this major project be awarded? We hope that it will be given to a consortium that is capable of doing the job.

Here, Col. Datuk Mohamad Shaid must consider regular meetings with people from all sectors including members of parliament in addition to media briefings. He must pay special attention to the flood mitigation schemes.

The Colonel must also look into the strange happenings of these projects being publicized for political purpose by advisory councillors
who do not contribute to the allocations for the projects. Do they council or advise? Have they taken over the job of Datuk Bandar, the engineers and related experts? They are not involved in the implementation, monitoring and maintenance.