This time, the residents affected were better prepared and all evacuated early. The SK Chung Hua No. 4 where SUPP Batu Lintang Flood Relief Committee were assisting, registered almost 600 evacuees even though the water levels did not get as high as the previous flood.
The District Office and army were better coordinated this time by providing transport for the people to come out from the affected areas.
Charitable organisations came with food for the evacuees the very first night!
Luckily the rain did not persist and by today all the people left for the homes.
From all the floods, rumours have been spread and became a subject during the Chinese New Year visiting that speculated that the barrage made floods worst and allegations by DAP that the Government did not build another canal which was supposed to alleviate any floods.. I'm surprised that the government did not make any clarification on that allegation - so that the people will be better informed of the situation.
It just shows that the authorities must catch up with times and have a more open dialogue with the people on issues affecting them.
Perhaps our authorities should adopt 'the open day' program where once a month people can come in, without appointment to meet the State's authorised spokesman on any problems. We have to inculcate amongst the people the proper complaints channel rather than wild speculations.
We in SUPP did have such open days at the HQ in Kuching, somehow there were not many people who came. Perhaps those were better days then.. Maybe with better publicity, people may want to come forward.
I look forward to brighter days ahead - literally!
To those going back to work and to school - back to reality. Have a good year of the Ox ahead.
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