KOTA KINABALU: Houses and schools in Cameron Highlands will be relocated to higher spots as a short-term measure in the wake of landslides and mudfloods in the area.
Natural Resources and Environment ministry will work with federal and Pahang state government, as well as Education Department to work on the massive project which can save lives should floods happen again.
Its minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who is also Cameron Highlands member of parliament, said he has advised those residing by the riverbanks to shift to other places but most of them were reluctant to do so.
Last Wednesday, muddy floods and landslides had claimed five lives and affected more than 28 families in Kampung Raja, Ringlet town and Bertam Valley areas.
"However, the people are reluctant to move out as they claim the land had been given to them," he said, adding that the ministry would conduct quick survey on numbers of people and schools located at the riverside.
Palanivel said he would talk to Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob on availability of land for relocation purposes while awaiting for the completion of Perbadanan 1Malaysia People's Housing Programme (PR1MA) project in the state.
Meanwhile, Palanivel also disclosed that his ministry had proposed a RM3 billion allocation for national floods mitigation scheme in the upcoming 11th Malaysia Plan.
"The fund will help flood prone areas specifically in Pahang, Johor, Selangor as well as Sabah," he added.
He was speaking at a press conference after launching the Sixth International Conference on "Enhancing Biodiversity Towards No Net Loss and Beyond Within The Heart of Borneo" organised by Sabah Forestry Department this morning.
Present were Sabah Forestry Department director Datuk Sam Mannan, former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah.