Home TA Online Drowning in denial: Malaysia’s flash floods crisis demands action

Drowning in denial: Malaysia’s flash floods crisis demands action

Massive Klang Valley floods 2021

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Climate change and its unpredictable effects are being taken for granted or met with indifference. This calls for drastic measures.

Both the public and local authorities must make a collaborative shift if we are to manage the frequent floods in many parts of the country more effectively.

To dismiss the deluge as mere inter-monsoon changes is foolish and will only wreak more damage to properties, affect routines and cost the government more in wasted public money.

Drainage is key to diverting excess water. While ordinary people have not shown any marked improvements in environmental care and concern, local authorities clearing up rubbish-clogged drains is also a rare sight these days.

Meanwhile, forestry departments all over the country must get tough on excessive logging, as this causes rivers to burst their banks, making downstream flooding easier and more frequent with each downpour.

Before we talk about multi-billion-ringgit mitigation projects, we should address the public’s lackadaisical attitude towards caring for our environment, especially the littering habit.

Before the government commits humongous sums of money to assure the nation with plans for high-tech mitigation projects, it should compel the various authorities at federal and state levels to step up. They need to treat the frequent flooding as a crisis that deserves accountable, routine and intense maintenance measures.

We cannot treat each flood across the country as merely “nature’s wrath”. Neither can we keep taking recourse in appeals to the Almighty.

Hopefully, the government will address the frequent flooding in cities, townships, rural farms, highways and country roads as a national priority.

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Policy leaders must mobilise the relevant authorities and raise public awareness to reduce the likelihood of floods.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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JD Lovrenciear
JD Lovrenciear, an Aliran member, is a KL-based writer, trainer and consultant who also offers his time to support initiatives to build a progressive society. He is also a vice-president of the Malaysian National Patriots Association (Patriot).
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