Wet Behind The Ears

Kuala Lumpur Dec 21 2021

At least eight people lost their lives in floods that resulted in more than 30,000 people being evacuated from their homes throughout the country.

The continuous heavy downpour since Friday has caused rivers to overflow and submerged many housing areas nationwide with Pahang and Selangor being the worst hit states.

In Pahang, floods have affected 14,000 people while about 10,000 people were made homeless in Selangor.

Waterlogged roads left thousands of Malaysians stranded and were forced to take shelter in their vehicles.

They spent the night in their cars while fearing that they may not have a home to return to and wondering if their loved ones were safe.

Despite knowing the severity of the situation, the government did not react effectively and swiftly to take charge and end the predicament of the victims.

Malaysians took it upon themselves to help their fellow citizens by ferrying people and their belongings to safety with boats.

                             

Facebook of  Bangi MP Dr Ong Kian Meng

Fortunately, before their batteries on their handphones went dead, many victims posted their whereabouts and location on social media, crying out for help.

Only on Sunday (Dec 19), Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the government will provide RM100 million for the repair of homes and infrastructure affected by floods.

An estimated RM1,000 is expected to be given for each household hit by the floods.

Dear PM, the question is how could RM1,000 help each and every family suffering right now?

Let’s start with household appliances.

                                   

Facebook of Klang MP Charles Santiago

The cheapest fridge is priced at about RM500 and that is already half of the amount supposed to be given as aid by the government.

How about the other appliances needed? How about their furniture and belongings that either has been damaged, destroyed or missing?

RM1,000 will surely not be enough, at least RM10,000 must be spent or given out to really help all those affected.

The inefficiency of rescue and aid operations was also criticised.

This was best summed up by Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh.

“We are known for investing in submarines but cannot deploy rescue boats fast enough to save citizens like in Taman Sri Muda.

“Not to say that we don’t have money or government assets but we have spent it on wrong things. Things that do not actually help our people.

“The government should immediately release whatever funds needed to help the victims before more dead bodies are found in Shah Alam or Taman Sri Muda.”