KUANTAN, Feb 9 — The Pahang government has identified a number of areas in Kuantan, Lipis, Raub and Pekan to build new settlements for victims of the recent floods, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
However, he said this long-term effort required comprehensive planning, besides detailed discussions with the flood victims before a final decision could be made.
“The state government has identified the locations but we need to first meet and engage with the flood victims. We don’t want to force them to move out as other problems could arise.
“We should consider that they may not want to move out for certain reasons, so this cannot be done easily. Besides that, we are discussing with the Public Works Department and Drainage and Irrigation Department in making the right decision.”
Wan Rosdy said this at a media conference on the relocation plans for the flood victims, after receiving UMNO membership application forms from the Maran division of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), here, today.
Asked on claims that the state government had asked the residents to return their land titles if they were moved to the new locations, Wan Rosdy dismissed it as a rumour.
“In fact, at my discussion yesterday, this did not arise and if the flood victims are to be relocated, it will be done properly.
“A number of proposed short-term measures are also being studied to improve the managing of floods in the state.
“During a meeting with the Cameron Highlands district officer and engineer, we also discussed on raising the alarm to indicate soil movements, besides holding courses for the village communities on ways to save flood victims.
“Therefore, boats and other equipment are required and these are some of the short-term measures that should be given priority,” he said.
