PUTRAJAYA: The Central Disaster Management Committee is coordinating with ministries and agencies to find a solution to the problems caused by the northeast monsoon, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today.
Zahid, the chairman of the committee, said measures taken would not be limited to repairing infrastructure and homes damaged by floods, but also to draw up long-term plans.
"There must be coordination in terms of implementation and, if we work together, the final result can be achieved comprehensively.
"Every flood season, the government has to repair damaged houses, build new ones for those whose homes were swept away, and repair roads.
"This process repeats itself every time there is a flood. We must find a comprehensive and long-term solution."
He said this after attending the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's New Year message ceremony here.
On Dec 5, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Zahid would be responsible, as chairman of the committee, to ensure the country monitored the situation and made flood preparations.
Meanwhile, Zahid said the Kedah government would be fully responsible for helping and resolving issues involving flood victims in Baling district, especially the reconstruction of damaged homes, although the federal government had channelled aid to the state.
Zahid, who is rural and regional development minister, said this was done to show appreciation for the people's support for the government in the 15th General Election.
In July, 41 areas in Baling were affected by floods, with losses estimated at RM28 million.
He said the Kedah Regional Development Authority had rebuilt eight homes and repaired 38 houses. --Bernama