KUALA LUMPUR: Some bigger public transport stations will be turned into temporary relief centres to assist flood victims in the Klang Valley, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said his ministry was working on this with the relevant agencies.

       “We are working on it and will inform the media later,” he said after opening the MCA 68th annual general meeting here yesterday.

       Dr Wee, who is also MCA president, said he received many messages from party members and people who were stuck and stranded due to the flash floods.

       He said his ministry would leave it to the relevant public transport agencies to issue emergency response notices in view of the floods.

       “In fact, RapidKL has done it, announcing the updated bus schedule and route change.

       “We cannot wait for a meeting to decide – this was an emergency response,” he added.

       Asked whether the ministry would make it compulsory for motorists to take natural disaster vehicle insurance coverage, he said such a matter must be approached in a holistic manner with input from all relevant agencies.

       Later in Subang Jaya, while visiting the Putra Heights LRT station’s bus hub which was being used as a temporary relief centre, Dr Wee urged the public to be patient following the disruption of RapidKL bus services due to the flood.

       He added that 84 RapidKL buses were unable to return to their depots because of the floods.

       “It will take time for services to resume to normal so I hope the public will be patient,” he said,

       He also commended Prasarana Malaysia Bhd for opening the bus hub as a temporary relief centre for 54 victims.

       “It was established by Prasarana as the victims were seeking refuge as nearby relief centres were full,” he said.

       Dr Wee added that the temporary relief centre was well equipped and Prasarana had provided food and necessities to the victims.

       “The space is comfortable with various facilities including a prayer room,” he said.

       He also expressed his sympathies for the 54 flood victims from three nearby villages who did not even have a chance to grab any of their belongings when fleeing the floods.