THE government will buy more high-powered pumps to solve the problem of stagnant floodwater, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

“I will coordinate with the director-general of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the National Disaster Management (Nadma) and the Malaysian Defence Force (APM) see how the high-powered pumps can immediately be deployed throughout the country.

“I will inspect these existing pumps, and then see if more pumps will need to be imported immediately, I hope that JPS, Nadma and APM can submit a proposal according to the purchase procedure,” he said after visiting a flood relief centre at SK Sungai Tiang Darat in Bagan Datuk today.

Zahid, who is Bagan Datuk MP, said the other immediate measure was to move the existing pumps to the flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, he said pumps would be installed at nine locations in Bagan Datuk as suggested by the District Disaster Management Committee to alleviate flooding in the district.

“An immediate allocation is required from the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department with the opening of tenders according to the pump quality specifications,” he said.

On the long-term solution to the flood problem in the area, Zahid said a permanent flood mitigation project costing RM80 million would be implemented and is expected to be completed within three years. 

As at 8am, 44 people from 13 families in Perak are being housed at two flood relief centres – Sekolah Menengah Abdul Rahman Talib Batu 4 and SK Sungai Tiang Darat. – Bernama, December 18, 2022.