An opposition leader today questioned the government's tendency to prioritise aid to foreign parties instead of its citizens.

"When there is a forest fire in Indonesia, the government sends monetary aid. Therefore, when emergencies happen in our own country, aid should be given as well," said PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in a statement.

She suggested that the National Disaster Fund be used to help the petty traders affected by Sunday's floods in Kuala Lumpur.

Wan Azizah said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the government should reconsider their development policy.

"The city centre is becoming increasingly overcrowded and haphazard. If this is allowed to continue, no matter how many retention ponds, drains and tunnels we may construct, the problem of bad city planning remains," she added.

Reconsider toll

She also reiterated PKR's demands that the Smart tunnel toll be reconsidered by the government.

According to The Star today, motorists were shocked to find a pool of water in the middle of the Smart tunnel. They feared that the tunnel was leaking, but the authorities could not be reached for comment.

This afternoon, Wan Azizah visited the flood-affected areas to offer support to the traders who lost their belongings in the disaster.

As she walked along Jalan Masjid India, trailed by PKR flags, shopowners welcomed her into their stores to show her the damage caused by the floods.

During her two-hour visit, she spoke to numerous traders who highlighted their plight.