KUALA LUMPUR: All agencies and departments under the Transport Ministry are ready in the eventuality of a second wave of flooding, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The ministry has embarked on early preparations as a second wave of floods could possibly happen anytime, he said, adding that all agencies and departments have been instructed to monitor the situation and provide information to the ministry.

       “A second wave of floods can happen so we must carry out early preparations. We have asked all agencies to monitor the situation and keep us informed.

       “The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Marine Department will all be prepared to assist,” he told the media at the Gombak LRT station after introducing the My50 unlimited travel pass yesterday.

       In emergency situations, public amenities will also be utilised to assist flood victims, said Dr Wee, adding that this was demonstrated when Prasarana Malaysia Bhd converted its Putra Heights LRT station’s bus hub into a temporary relief centre (PPS) for 54 flood victims on Dec 18.

       He added that the ministry will also be prepared with a plan to convert facilities into PPS to assist flood victims if such a need arises during the second wave.

       “We will coordinate the converting of the place into a PPS. If there are those in need, we’ll provide shelter for them,” he said.

       He added that this had happened in various locations when the flooding occurred recently, leading to public amenities being opened to shelter flood victims.

       Dr Wee said the PPS set up by Prasarana at the Putra Heights LRT station’s bus hub was a good move to assist flood victims, who were fleeing the deluge that ravaged their villages nearby.

       “The PPS was well equipped with food, necessities and medical aid for the victims provided by Prasarana,” he added.

       He said constant monitoring of the situation during the current monsoon season is also being done to ensure the safety of passengers using public transportation such as bus and rail.

       “For example, when there is a flood and the station has to be closed for safety factors, we will ensure that it is done according to the standard operating procedure, such as the case at the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

       “During the flooding last week, the station had to be closed and the trains bypassed the station and passengers disembarked at a safer train station,” Dr Wee said.