SHAH ALAM, Dec 19 — The Selangor state government announced it is ready to acquire land to mitigate the long-standing flood problems across the state.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said he has instructed the Selangor department of lands and mines to work together with district land offices to acquire land along riverbanks for widening purposes.
“The main problem is the inefficiency of our drainage system and our rivers are too narrow,” he said.
“However, we could not carry out widening efforts because the land along the riverbanks belong to the people.”
Khalid said he has also instructed the Irrigation and Drainage Department (IDD) to identify any land suitable for a reservoir construction in another bid to overcome floods.
“The state has to acquire these lands for public interest.”
Khalid had requested the IDD to include a directive into the Selangor Flood Mitigation Plan under the Tenth Malaysia Plan.
“The Selangor government remains committed to solving floods that have been plaguing the public. The Selangor Quick Response Team (QRT) has been instructed to facilitate other agencies during floods.”
