KLUANG: The Defence Ministry (Mindef), through the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), will go “above and beyond” in its preparations to help the public in the event of a flood during the 15th General Election (GE15).
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said that the ATM had always been on the frontline in helping and securing the safety of the people.
“This is not something that is ‘unique’ as the ATM has always been on the frontline every year when flooding occurs.
“They are not only on duty during the monsoon season, but the ATM is also always on standby to help people, like when they built a Bailey Bridge during the flood in Baling, Kedah, in July this year and the ‘land tsunami’ incident at Kelantan in 2014,” he told reporters after the land grant handover ceremony to Felda settlers at Dewan Serbaguna Felda Bukit Tongkat, here yesterday.
He also said that there had been irresponsible parties that suddenly became experts in flood matters even though they themselves had never attended any flood rescue drills.
“They have come to make the floods an issue, whereas we are the ones who have been working closely with the entire state government to ensure smooth coordination and work flow among all federal and state agencies.
“Our standard operating procedures and work template have never been changed, but at the same time, we have continued to improve our services and cooperation between agencies,” Hishammuddin said, adding that he would be meeting with Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail soon to discuss the flood mitigation effort in the state.
The ATM also has no issues with mobilising their assets and personnel to help with the flood rescue operations as it has always been part of their task, he added.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that the Opposition was trying to use flooding as a political agenda to cover up their weaknesses.
