Over the past couple of years, residents living in the state of Selangor have become increasingly wary and concerned over incidents of flash floods that are now occurring at an almost recurrent rate.
From climate change to pollution in our waterways, a vast number of factors have led thousands of families losing their homes and livelihoods, especially during the height of flash floods that occurred at the end of 2021. According to the Malaysian Department of Statistics, damages incurred by the 2021 floods are estimated to be in the range of RM6.1 billion.
Selangor state govt may consider declaring climate emergency
As a consequence, the Selangor state government may now be looking into potentially declaring a climate emergency. Quoting Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, local newspaper The Star reports that while the state is mulling on the proposal, such a declaration cannot be made until the proper data and research has been obtained from experts on the matter.
“We have appointed several agencies such as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to study climate change in Malaysia.” he said.
Residents in Klang and Kuala Selangor warned to prepare for floods
While the relevant agencies were appointed as far back as in 2019, the finalisation of their preliminary report on climate change has been delayed owing to the Movement Control Order that was imposed throughout the country during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state government’s proposals will be carried out upon the completion of the report.
“Once we get the report, we will focus on handling the increase of water level due to flash floods,” he explained at the launching ceremony for Air Selangor’s coffee table book titled “Air Selangor Journey – Our Story” at 1Utama Shopping Centre on Tuesday (September 13th 2022).
Local paper Kosmo! reports that the Metrological Department of Malaysia predicts local weather to turn damp as a result of monsoon changes, with rainfall expected to increase during the November to March period.
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