PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob must take action to immediately set up a royal committee, including a parliamentary committee, to improve the level of disaster preparedness, Anwar Ibrahim said. 

The Port Dickson MP said at the same time, the government should help the people rebuild their flood-hit homes and not underestimate post-flood recovery.

The opposition leader expressed regret over the way the country is being helmed, in the wake of the catastrophic floods that hit many folk after heavy rains continued over the weekend. 

“To date, 17 victims in Selangor and eight victims in Pahang have been reported dead, while more than 60,000 have lost their homes without any clear signs of their housing conditions after the floodwaters recede.

“The main weaknesses regarding the level of national preparedness in the face of disasters are now clear.

“Set up a royal committee as well as a parliamentary committee to improve this,” said Anwar. 

Anwar slammed the National Disaster Management Agency for being slow to act and failing to coordinate efforts among government agencies. 

“Delays in mobilising the armed forces have made it possible for some officers to act on their own in assisting the affected citizens. 

“Poor coordination between the volunteer teams and the military only adds to the confusion and frustration,” he added. 

Anwar also took a swipe at Ismail, saying the crisis is a nightmare for the prime minister whose government had just bragged about its 100 days of success.

“Failure after failure in managing this disaster only highlights how capable the government he leads really is,” he said. 

Both the federal and Selangor governments have come under fire from the public for delays and a lack of coordination in helping flood victims.

Continuous heavy rain resulted in devastating floods in eight states and territories in the peninsula over the weekend – Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Negri Sembilan.

As of last night, more than 61,000 victims had been evacuated to relief centres, with Pahang and Selangor recording the highest number of evacuees.

In Selangor alone 30,632 people have been displaced by the severe flooding. – December 21, 2021.