SUNGAI SIPUT: The Local Government Development Ministry has allocated RM20 million to all 155 local authorities for drainage system cleaning works in preparation for the North East Monsoon season, scheduled to start next month.
Its minister, Nga Kor Ming, said since last month, he has urged all local authorities to maintain and clean main drains to prevent flash floods, especially in urban areas.
He is still waiting for a progress report.
Nga said all government officials, such as the State Secretary, local authority presidents, and district officers, were required to go to the ground every week to monitor the implementation rate of works carried out by appointed contractors.
"We have many competent and high calibre officers. I have asked them to monitor the work of our contractors to make sure they carry out the work according to the schedule that has already been set.
"I am also confident that our local authority presidents and all district officers will constantly monitor the project.
"The government's policy is obvious where all officials, especially the top leadership, including ministers, chief secretaries, and state government secretaries, must go to the ground every week because this is the right way for us to understand the feelings and listen to the people's complaints," he said.
Nga said this in a press conference after visiting Sungai Buloh (CORRECT) and several other wet markets in Sungai Siput today.
Also present were Jalong assemblyman Loh Sze Ylee, Sungai Siput, member of parliament S. Kesavan, and Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK) president Dr Sakduddin Zamli.
During the event, Nga also announced an allocation of RM2.41 million involving 11 projects to be implemented by MPKK in the Sungai Siput sub-district area, including an allocation of RM1.65 million for seven projects to maintain flood retention ponds.
The flood retention ponds are located in Taman Muhibbah Jaya, Kampung Muhibbah Rimba Panjang, Taman Lintang Makmur, Persiaran Kledang 8, RPA Salak, Kampung Salak Baru, and Salak Utara.