KUALA LUMPUR: Help is on the way for livestock farmers in Tanjung Tualang, Perak, who have been having sleepless nights over the longstanding drainage problem in their area.
This followed a visit by representatives from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) today, just one day after the New Straits Times highlighted the farmers' predicament.
Farmer Harjit Singh Ranjit Singh, 27, said the department visited the area this morning and plans to install a water pump for better flow of water to the river.
"They came this morning, and I was told that by evening (today) they will fix the issue by reducing the water level and making a space, enabling the water to flow back to the river.
"Thankfully, the water has subsided and we hope that it will not rain today to ease the process or otherwise, the flooding will get worse.
"I was also told that they are on their way to install the water pump for better flow of water," he said.
Yesterday, Harjit told NST that the drainage issue had caused floodwaters to trap 11 of his buffaloes for the past five days, with help yet to arrive and forcing the animals to remain standing due to the flooding in their barn.
He attributed the problem to a longstanding lack of proper drainage, which has remained unsolved for nine years due to the presence of a nearby mine which exacerbates the flooding.
The 27-year-old farmer also said efforts to get help from local authorities have been futile, leading him to reach out to the media for assistance.
At the same time, Harjit also expressed hope for the authorities to take swift action if a complaint is lodged by the locals.
"I feel better and relieved now (that they are installing a water pump) but I really hope such an issue will not recur.
"I also hope that they will continue to make sure the water flow is better moving forward."
Meanwhile, Malim Nawar assemblywoman Shasha Veraiah said a session between developers and relevant agencies would be held soon to discuss ways to address the embankment that blocks water flow to the river.
"Once again, flood has hit the Sikh village in Tanjung Tualang and preliminary action has been taken by JPS and agencies involved.
"Based on follow-up surveys by Kinta DID, Tanjung Tualang mukim office and the Fire and Rescue Department, a pumping method will also be used to alleviate the flooding in the area.
"Meanwhile, we will also have a discussion between developers and agencies soon to address the embankment that blocks water flow to the river, which is also a cause of the flood in the area," she said in a statement via Facebook.