MPs propose various ideas on tackling flood disasters

The meeting was convened to discuss the way forward following the floods at the end of last year which claimed 55 lives and caused immense damage to property and other assets.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) requested the government to study the need to build a second SMART tunnel in the Klang Valley.

He said apart from dispersing traffic, the tunnel was deemed effective in minimising the impact of floods in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

"Besides that, the concept of 'DLL' (deepening, straightening, and widening) of rivers in flooded areas needs to be carried out so that the water flow system can be improved," he added.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) suggested that residents in areas that were prone to floods should be relocated.

He said the move was necessary, although he admitted that it would not be easy due to various obstacles, including obtaining the consent of the residents themselves.

"This is not easy, but the government and those in charge need to work towards it," he said.

Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PAS-Kuala Krai) suggested that the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) conduct research and development in order to deal with the possibility of more extreme weather in the future and diversify the methods to deliver timely updates to the people.

"Maybe it's time for the country to have a more sophisticated system to increase the people's confidence in the forecasts issued by MetMalaysia," he said.

He also suggested that the government make takaful or insurance coverage against floods compulsory for all vehicles, as it was currently only offered as an add-on.

"Of course, it will burden consumers due to the increase (in premium) if implemented, therefore, I would like to suggest that the government bear this increase for the B40 and M40 groups," he said.

Meanwhile, Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) suggested that flood management, disaster relief, rescue efforts and rehabilitation management be handed over to the respective state governments by providing allocations on an annual basis.

"(An allocation) of RM100 million to each state or 20 per cent of the state's tax contribution. This would allow the rescue work to be carried out quickly," he said.

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar), meanwhile, suggested that the government set up a special parliamentary committee on climate change in the country.

"This is so that the Government and the Opposition can sit together to scrutinise the development budget issue to assist the minister in finding solutions such as achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050," he said.