PUTRAJAYA: The government will fast-track the tender awarding process for flood mitigation projects.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that he had instructed the Treasury to expedite the process to minimise the impact of floods in the future.
"But several immediate (steps) have (already) been taken, we've already purchased water jets (for cleaning purposes)," he said before flagging off participants of the civil servant post-flood volunteer work in Johor, here, today.
Previously, Anwar had announced that the government would re-tender six flood mitigation projects starting in June this year.
He had said the projects included flood mitigation work at Sungai Johor, Kota Tinggi; the construction of the Sungai Klang-Sungai Rasau dual-function reservoir; and, the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development Phase 3.
A total of 1,520 public servants from various ministries and government agencies are participating in the two-day effort, focused on cleanup in medical and educational facilities, government buildings and other public spaces.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers for participating in service outside of their work duties.
"I am here to say thank you to you all. Post-flood efforts are also challenging, existing departments in Segamat or Batu Pahat would not be able to settle it themselves, unless with extra help.
"The Chief Secretary to the Government informed me that thousands of public servant volunteers are serving outside of their duties. I express my deepest appreciation," he added.
Apart from cleanups, volunteers would also be handing out food baskets, cleaning equipment, basic school needs, minor vehicle maintenance and electrical work, as well as psychological support and counseling.
A total of 153 vehicles, comprising 26 buses, 16 vans, eight lorries, 64 four-wheel drives and 39 cars had been mobilised for this operation.