Speaking in the Parliament’s Special Chambers today, Loga said those affected by the May 12 flash floods in Kuala Lumpur can attempt taking legal action, but the outcome may not be to their advantage.
“You cannot punish anyone for an act of God. If we can control the rain and the wind, then we can consider (compensating the affected motorists).
“They can try and take the case to court. If we are asked to compensate them, then we will pay.”
Loga was replying to an emergency motion brought by PKR’s Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.
She had asked DBKL to compensate those whose vehicles were damaged in the flash floods, said to be the worst to hit the capital in over three decades.
Speaking to reporters later, Nurul Izzah said by refusing to compensate the victims of the flash floods, the government had missed the opportunity to reach out to the public.
“I think it started well enough when our Minister for Federal Territories (Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor) apologised to the people of Kuala Lumpur.
“I think that was a good start and they should be more responsible as, at the end of the day, DBKL is the guardian of the people.”
Four roads – Jalan Pantai Bahru, Jalan Semantan, Jalan Bangsar and Jalan Pudu in front of the Tung Shin Hospital – were flooded in the incident on May 12 that saw scores of cars hit by floodwaters, causing extensive damage.
Meanwhile, Bernama reports that Loga said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had made a visit to the areas affected by flash floods.
He said a detailed investigation needed to be made before any action was taken against any parties involved in corrupt elements that caused the flash floods.
“He (Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) said there is a possibility… and we investigate. If it can be proven, of course we will take action. But this does not mean corruption has occurred.”
He was responding to Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) on the possibility of flash floods occurring due to some elements of corruption, as stated by Ahmad Zahid.
Loga said the flash floods that hit the federal capital, among others, were due to the unusually heavy rain of 106.5mm that caused the water level to rise in the affected areas.
The drainage system maintained by DBKL in the flash flood-hit areas was based on schedule while the solid waste cleaning level was also based on the company’s work scope and frequency, he said.