Shahidan prepared to explain flood mitigation measures, respects individuals' rights to sue


Federal Territories Minister Shahidan Kassim says he is prepared to give a detailed explanation about the flood mitigation measures in the capital. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 25, 2022.

FEDERAL Territories Minister Dr Shahidan Kassim says he is prepared to give a detailed explanation about the flood mitigation measures in the capital, describing the actions of certain quarters who planned on suing him over the matter as their right to do so. 

He said the flash flood mitigation measures had undergone an audit and that some measures had been completed while others were underway. 

“But if you want to ask in writing or take legal action then we have to answer according to the law, this involves an audit, where the Auditor-General will query and so on. 

“If they still want to sue because they want publicity, then it is their right, if they want an explanation, they can come and see me tomorrow or even tonight,” he told reporters at a ceremony to hand over equipment in conjunction with the Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) hardcore poverty eradication (BMTKM) programme today. 

Shahidan was asked to comment on media reports regarding the actions of a lawyer and several Kuala Lumpur residents who wished to continue with a lawsuit to urge him and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to provide detailed information on flood mitigation measures in the city, following the Auditor-General’s Report 2021 Series 1. 

At the same time, Shahidan said his ministry was collaborating with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to conduct detailed control measures in more than 30 “hotspots” around the city to ensure that flash floods would not occur, especially in the upcoming monsoon season. 

He said that his ministry and the JPS were preparing to face the possibility of an extraordinary rainfall situation by considering various aspects such as drainage and rain catchment systems, and the evacuation of flood victims.  

Earlier, Shahidan, together with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Mustapa Mohamed handed over entrepreneurial equipment such as grinding machines and hair clippers to 45 participants of the BMTKM involving residents of four People’s Housing Projects in the capital. 

The BMTKM is coordinated by the Economic Planning Unit and the Prime Minister’s Department together with the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and is being implemented in phases until the end of 2025. – Bernama, September 25, 2022.  


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