SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government should focus more seriously on tackling flooding in the state, including coming up with short and long-term plans, says Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

       In his royal address during the opening of the Selangor Legislative Assembly session, the Ruler said this included preparing short and long-term measures to deepen and widen rivers, ensuring the drainage system was well managed and building floodgates at locations to monitor rainfall and the high tide levels.

       “The best method to counter floods has to be identified immediately, including getting professional service and new technology from within and outside the country,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.

       He said he hoped that the state government could further strengthen enforcement, especially towards those involved in activities that contaminated rivers and caused flooding disasters.

       The dumping of garbage into rivers should be prevented as this could contaminate water quality as well as cause flash floods, he pointed out.

       Sultan Sharafuddin also wanted officers, as well as agencies and departments under the state government, to be more proactive in settling problems associated with flooding, adding that action and response must be quick as it involved the loss of lives and property.

       “I hope that every project to overcome flooding such as the building of bunds or deepening rivers is done properly so that it will be effective for a long time to prevent flooding from happening.

       Royal guest: Sultan Sharafuddin arriving for the opening of the Selangor Legislative Assembly session in Shah Alam. Looking on is Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari (right). — Bernama

       “I am saddened and unhappy to see the damage faced by the people after the floods.

       “In the event that all parties are still not serious and lackadaisical when handling the flooding problem, not only will the government face losses but the people will also be burdened,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.

       The Ruler said he hoped that the people of Selangor would play their role in ensuring that drainage systems and rivers in their respective areas do not get clogged and were always in clean and in good condition.

       He hoped that the federal and state governments put aside their political differences and work together to counter the flooding problem in the Klang Valley so that the people would not have to endure terrible suffering and trauma during the rainy season.

       The Ruler also reminded the state assemblymen to focus on carrying out their responsibilities to improve the living standards of their constituents in order to develop Selangor’s economy and prosperity.

       “I don’t want elected representatives to spend their time only politicking for their parties until they neglect their duties and role to care for the people.

       “Don’t just play politics day and night for your personal interests,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.

       On another matter, Sultan Sharafuddin said he hoped that both the East Coast Rail Line, which runs through the state, and the MRT3 Circle Line would not adversely affect Selangor.

       “I truly hope the implementation of these projects will not result in consequences or terrible disasters that will affect the people who will then have to bear the long-term brunt if development projects are carried out haphazardly as well as carelessly without monitoring and control by those involved,” said the Ruler.

       Sultan Sharafuddin urged all parties involved, including the federal and state governments, to ensure that work was carried out in an orderly and good manner.