Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar

SIBU: A comprehensive Flood Predicting System (FPS) to be adopted in the country in time to come will enable the National Security Council to do advance planning for rescue operations.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, said this was because the new system complete with weather report is capable of providing ample warning well ahead before flood occurs.

“As for FPS we are still studying whether to adopt what the USA has recommended or that of the British system.

“The Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) has to study both the systems before making the choice.

“Whichever system we are going to use, it must be able to predict the flood with a 100 per cent accuracy within two days and certain amount of accuracy within seven days.

“This will give ample warning to National Security Council to plan rescue operations well in advance.

“This includes preparing the people for evacuation and security,” Wan Junaidi told The Borneo Post yesterday.

The Santubong MP was asked if the proposed FPS to be implemented in the future would come handy in facilitating the rescue operations to evacuate residents in flood prone areas.

Wan Junaidi revealed that the system would provide comprehensive reports on weather, rainfalls, water catchment capacity and sea level rising.

They must be linked to all Malaysian weather system from Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Bernama quoted him as saying that the existing system must be upgraded to enable the relevant agencies to make proper and more effective preparation to face floods.

The minister was also quoted to have said under the current system, flood could only be known some six hours before it occurs.

This has necessitated for new calculation, he said.

Separately, several areas in Limbang and Lawas districts were flooded causing 268 people from 77 families to be evacuated at noon on Wednesday.