MELAKA: Even with his campaign schedule in Sungai Udang running at full pace, Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Rais Yasin took time to visit families affected by floods in Kampung Gapam, Bemban, Jasin, last night.
The floods affected seven houses, prompting Rais, who previously served as the state’s senior executive councillor for housing, local government, drainage, climate change and disaster management, to visit the area.
He said the welfare of the people must take priority, even with only two days left before polling day.
He added that his visit was not merely to offer support to the affected families but also to identify the necessary follow-up measures.
“Responsibilities must be fulfilled even when we are busy campaigning. The people’s problems must take priority.
“As a representative of the state government, I came to Bemban to meet the affected families. The least we can do is be there for those affected,” he said when met after engaging with the Chinese community in Sungai Udang here today.
Rais said the recurring floods in the area warranted further investigation, particularly into possible links with development activities in the surrounding area.
He said the state government had directed the local authorities to take action against two developers undertaking projects there, including ordering them to suspend work until measures were taken to address residents’ concerns.
“There are guidelines which stipulate that developers cannot carry out development without obtaining approval from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Land Office and all relevant technical agencies,” he said.
Rais said the flooding issue should not be taken lightly, noting that Melaka still had 102 flood hotspots, compared with more than 150 previously.
He said efforts to reduce the number of flood-prone areas would continue to ensure residents’ safety, particularly during periods of heavy rain.