Parliament rejects motion to declare 'state of emergency' as Fuziah claims thousands of flood victims are now left destitute following the worst flood to hit Kuantan.
By Leven Woon
KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliament today rejected an urgent motion brought forward by Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh for Putrajaya to declare a state of emergency on the East Coast, following worsening floods in the area.
Fuziah said thousands of people were left stranded yesterday, without food and electricity supply. She asked for Putrajaya to declare a ‘state of emergency’ in order to facilitate flood relief works.
According to news reports, more than 9,000 people in Pahang were evacuated to flood relief centers from five districts and rising water levels have forced the local bus company to shut down operations.
The PKR lawmaker however faced heckling from Bung Mokhtar Radin (Umno- Kinabatangan) when reading out her motion, the latter mocked Fuziah and accused her of being insincere.
“You could have stayed in Kuantan and helped the victim if you are really concerned about them. Why make noise here in Parliament?” Bung Mokhtar shouted.
“If my area is hit by flood, for sure I will be there (to) accompany the victims instead of tabling a motion,” he added.
The motion was later rejected by Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia, who said that it did not fulfill the two-day advance notice requirement and resolved to reject it.
Minister in the Prime Minister Department Shahidan Kassim then assured the House that the government has deployed troops to conduct relief works.
Speaking to reporters later, Fuziah said she was informed at 3am today, many victims were left stranded on the rooftop of their homes without receiving any assistance from the authorities.
Fuziah chided Bung Mokhtar and the government for being insensitive.
Indera Mahkota MP Fauzi Abdul Rahman said it is the worst flood to hit Kuantan as rainwater from hills and rising tides from the sea are gushing into town areas.
He appealed for the federal government to expedite aid to the victims. fmt
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