Flood preparation: KETTHA must expect the unexpected

The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KETTHA) must expect the unexpected when making preparation to face disasters like flood.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said this was based on the uncertain weather conditions currently.

"It shows now that the climate change is real and unpredictable. I believe a more comprehensive approach is much needed among ministries which are closely related on issues of utility supply like us, and KETTHA will also take necessary actions on the matter," he said.

Ongkili said this at a media conference after a working visit to the Pasir Salak, Kampung Gajah and Lenggong areas in Perak which were affected by floods.

He also said based on monitoring and surveys of the latest situation in terms of supplying electricity, and dams in states affected by the floods, the situation is improving.

He said a total of 2,633 substations of which 89 were in Perak, Pahang (584) and Kelantan (1,960) were switched off when they were inundated.

"Thankfully, with the effort of all quarters, specifically Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and the related agencies, we have been able to remedy the situation in some areas in Perak yesterday leaving only 24 substations still shut off, namely, those still under water and difficult to access, or still unsafe for

repair works.

Ongkili said of the 584 substations in Pahang which were switched off, only about 100 were still not operational while in Kelantan, of 1,960 substations which were turned off, only 80 were still under water or in the process of repairs.

Meanwhile, in areas which could not be resumed yet, specifically critical places like hospitals and areas of public focus, TNB had supplied mobile generators, namely, Perak (13), Pahang (39) and Kelantan (33).

In terms of water, he said overall, in Kelantan only five plants had yet to be revived because the areas involved were still under water or electricity supply had not resumed while in Perak, all plants were operating normally.

Ongkili also commented on allegations of residents, specifically in river valleys, who claimed they were not warned when TNB released water from dams.

"Normally, when we release water, a standard operating procedure has to be complied with and TB had done so. But if there is room for improvement, we will be more than ready to do so," he said.

He also said the TNB task force would continue to monitor and work 24 hours a day to ensure supply could be revived at a satisfactory level as soon as possible so that the schooling session could begin next week as scheduled.

He said, other than contributing RM302,128 in the form of food, pillows, blankets and medicine, TNB would also mobilise 2,000 personnel to help in the post-flood process including taking part in gotong-royong and supplying equipment to all affected states.