RM40 million needed to upgrade Bertam River - Palanivel

An allocation of RM40 million is needed to upgrade Sungai Bertam in Cameron Highlands to prevent future flash floods and landslides.

Natural Resource and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the allocation was needed to deepen the Bertam River and the development of infrastructure including cleaning the nearby settlement areas and the planting of trees.

"The government had previously approved an allocation of RM40 million to tackle the flood problems in the Bertam Valley. Now, flooding occurs right up to the Ringlet area, so we will seek for an allocation of another RM40 million to upgrade the affected areas.

"The situation is different from the flood that occurred in the Bertam Valley due to land clearing. This one is a major flood in Ringlet, water was rushing and all people including children were affected.

"So, I have requested for the allocation from the Prime Minister and hope it is approved for distribution including the payment of RM1,000 or RM500 each to the affected victims," said Palanivel, who is also Cameron Highlands MP, when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby Thursday.

In the 6.30pm incident Wednesday, three people including a 13-year-old boy died while five others were injured due to the mud flow that also occurred in Ringlet.

The incident involved 203 victims from 47 families in Kampung Baru and the Bertam Valley which affected 20 homes and damaged 20 vehicles.

Commenting further, Palanivel hinted that those living near the river would be given a new settlement including a public housing scheme and the 1Malaysia Public Housing (PR1MA) in future.

"I have discussed with the land office, we can transfer them to another place and clear the whole area," he added.