Floods: Squall line explanation tests intelligence
Dr Jacob GeorgePublished: Mar 1, 2006 7:15 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
It is an embarrassing to know that the 'most developed state' in Malaysia does not have the financial resources to compensate the victims of Sundays flood that left a trail of destruction in several areas like Taman Tun Dr Ismail Jaya, New Klang Valley Expressway at Bukit Jelutong, Kampung Landasan at Kampung Melayu Subang, the areas around Giant Hypermarket at Section 13, Kampung Kebun Bunga Batu Tiga and areas surrounding the Makro supermarket in Shah Alam, Selangor.
As a consumer advocate and a resident of this area who even handed over two comprehensive memorandums to the Prime Minister's Office in late 1999 and 2001, Sunday's floods which damaged thousands of homes was long coming after perverted policy decisions were made.
The height of nearby highways was increased to accommodate whims and fancies of concessionaires while politically connected housing developers increased the elevation of new housing phases without protecting houses built earlier in low lying areas.
Then more areas were opened for construction without paying attention to conservation and the need for green lungs. The matter was made worse since present drainage in the area is already suspect and badly-clogged.
It is also foolish when educated men and women make baseless statements that Sunday's flood was caused by a phenomenon called the 'squall line that happened following a collision between southwesterly winds and the land breeze in the Straits of Malacca'. This challenges and tests the intelligence of many of the residents of the same area who know better.
It is also shocking to learn of the intelligence of some of our politicians when they utter insensitive comments at a moment when Shah Alam residents are in dire need and shock. The flood could have been prevented if there was the political will to check suspect development orders and plans.
If there was an immediate election in these affected areas or if a general election is around the corner, there would be busloads of sympathisers and luxury carloads of financial assistance with additional pampering and sucking up. That would be the order of the day to fish for votes.
But, sadly, at least at this moment, there are none for the unlucky Shah Alam folk.
As a consumer advocate and a resident of this area who even handed over two comprehensive memorandums to the Prime Minister's Office in late 1999 and 2001, Sunday's floods which damaged thousands of homes was long coming after perverted policy decisions were made.
The height of nearby highways was increased to accommodate whims and fancies of concessionaires while politically connected housing developers increased the elevation of new housing phases without protecting houses built earlier in low lying areas.
Then more areas were opened for construction without paying attention to conservation and the need for green lungs. The matter was made worse since present drainage in the area is already suspect and badly-clogged.
It is also foolish when educated men and women make baseless statements that Sunday's flood was caused by a phenomenon called the 'squall line that happened following a collision between southwesterly winds and the land breeze in the Straits of Malacca'. This challenges and tests the intelligence of many of the residents of the same area who know better.
It is also shocking to learn of the intelligence of some of our politicians when they utter insensitive comments at a moment when Shah Alam residents are in dire need and shock. The flood could have been prevented if there was the political will to check suspect development orders and plans.
If there was an immediate election in these affected areas or if a general election is around the corner, there would be busloads of sympathisers and luxury carloads of financial assistance with additional pampering and sucking up. That would be the order of the day to fish for votes.
But, sadly, at least at this moment, there are none for the unlucky Shah Alam folk.
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