Melaka chief minister pledges to resolve Tanjung Minyak’s three-decade flood crisis by reviewing agency proposals for long-term solutions
MELAKA: Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has pledged to finally resolve the flooding woes that have plagued Tanjung Minyak for over 30 years.
He said the state will review all proposals and recommendations from relevant agencies to identify long-term solutions for the flood-prone area.
“We will determine the best approach to resolve a problem that has dragged on for more than three decades, especially here in Tanjung Minyak.
“I will give due attention to ensure that the methods and suggestions from the relevant agencies help ease the burden caused by excessive rainfall, which continues to trigger floods in this area,” he told reporters after visiting flood evacuees at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Minyak 2 temporary relief centre today.
Also present were state Senior Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin and Melaka Social Welfare Department director Halyjah Muhamad.
He said exceptionally heavy rainfall, exceeding normal levels for the first time in over 20 years, caused water retention systems to overflow into residential areas.
Ab Rauf said more than 900 evacuees from about 300 families are currently housed at several relief centres statewide, and the state government will ensure their welfare remains a priority until conditions normalise.
He added that all relevant agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure the fastest possible response to flood victims, with immediate aid being coordinated by the District Office and channelled by the state government.
Yesterday, Melaka Irrigation and Drainage Department director Mohd Adnan Ahmad Fauzi was reported as saying that heavy rainfall in Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah, surpassing levels recorded during Tropical Storm Senyar late last year, was among the causes of the floods.
He was quoted as saying the highest cumulative rainfall, exceeding 100mm, was recorded in both districts at 2.30 pm.
