PUTRAJAYA must act swiftly to help the people who are affected by the massive flash floods that has been affecting Klang since yesterday, Charles Santiago said.

The Klang MP said the government must quickly mobilise more Fire and Rescue personnel and activate the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

“A lot of houses are flooded and people are stuck in their homes. We need the authorities to go and rescue them.

“Another issue is that the people need food. All the shops and restaurants are inundated, so they can’t buy food. The government now has to come in (with assistance),” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Earlier today, 1,011 victims in Klang had to be evacuated as several areas were inundated by flash floods.

According to reports, as of 7am today, the victims were placed in three temporary evacuation centres – Sekolah Kebangsaan Telok Gong, Masjid As-Islah and Masjid Al-Ubudiah.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Director Norazam Khamis said a total of 20 areas around Klang were hit by flash floods with Telok Gong among the most affected areas.

Norazam said other affected areas were Pulau Indah, Pandamaran, Bandar Botanik, Telok Gadong, Bandar Sultan Suleiman and Bukit Tinggi.

Santiago said the whole of Klang is affected; Teluk Gong, Pulau Indah, Pandamaran, Klang Utama and even Kuala Langat and Kampung Jawa.

“We were told that Klang is a disaster area by the district officer. Now, we need to bring reinforcements and support from outside of Klang. But, up to Shah Alam is flooded… how to get here?”

He said that the state government had also set up 17 shelters, but they might not be able to accommodate everyone with the continuous rainfall.

“We were informed by the meteorological department that the rainfall is to last until this evening.

“That’s why the reinforcements have to come urgently. The Bomba here is absolutely stretched.”

He added that the government could utilise helicopters to deliver food aid to the people.

“We also advised people that if they have no business in Klang, then don’t come to the area for now.”

Santiago added that there were also concerns about the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) in Klang.

“We are worried about the people affected by the floods. Especially if there are any old people who are sick and need medical attention.”

He said, last week in Parliament, he had asked for an emergency allocation of RM6 million to clear the drains in Klang to avoid flash floods and about RM50 million to repair potholes.

“I also asked JKR (Public Works Department) to renegotiate its present concession agreement of clearing drains once in six months to weekly,” he posted on Twitter.

He said that the requests he had put forth in Parliament were to find a durable solution through workable strategies to alleviate the pain of the people in his constituency as soon as possible.

“Not even a week after, we now have another episode of flooding brought about by 700mm of rainfall.” – December 18, 2021.