THERE is no need to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the floods and water surge that hit several villages in Baling, Kedah, on Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said.

According to the minister, it was more important look at the existing aspects of law enforcement.

An RCI does not have specific powers but only able to submit proposals for government consideration, he said.

“An RCI does not have the power to arrest (the offenders) but only make recommendations and their investigation will usually take six to seven months and the report will be tabled in the Parliament.

“Finally, the report will return to the cabinet for ministers to choose which proposals they want to implement,” he told reporters in Kuching today.

The 4pm disaster claimed three lives, while more than 1,400 residents had to be evacuated to three relief centres.

Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi also said the proposal for a special parliamentary session to discuss the issue of the price of goods was not necessary, because the Dewan Rakyat session would begin on July 18 and MPs could submit any motion during the sitting. – Bernama, July 9, 2022.