By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
KLANG, Dec 5 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj today expressed his disappointment over poor cleanliness in Klang.
His Royal Highness said that while development has been rapid, there are areas still dirty, including rivers severely polluted with trash.
The ruler had received public complaints, including from tourists who visit Port Klang on cruises, saying the scenery in Klang is unappealing.
“There is no use being proud of rapid development if we fail to implement and overcome matters of basic cleanliness.
“We must remember that rivers laden with trash and poorly maintained, clogged drains cause frequent floods in the royal city of Klang,” the sultan said.
His Royal Highness decreed that the state government and Klang Royal City Council act immediately to resolve flooding.
[caption id="attachment_382365" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj signs a plaque during the opening of Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim in Klang, as Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari looks on, on December 5, 2024. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
The ruler also said a comprehensive plan and a special team be formed to address the issue.
“I have repeatedly admonished and advised local authorities and the state government to implement effective steps and meticulous planning to overcome frequent flooding in the royal city of Klang and several other districts in Selangor.
“However, until now, floods still occur multiple times a year, even worsening in some cases. How could we excuse this by saying flooding happens after heavy and unusual rain caused by an act of God?
“I have grown weary of reminding the state government and local authorities of this problem every year yet (my reminders) fall on deaf ears.
“Why can’t we solve this problem? Does the state government not want to think about the people’s struggles and suffering during floods and facing property damage and threats to their lives, safety, and daily activities?
“I believe nothing is impossible and there is no problem in this world that cannot be solved if we are earnest and sincere in performing our duty and responsibility. I want to express my sorrow over the suffering of the people, and I empathise with their suffering amid floods that recur every year,” the sultan said.
His Royal Highness also urged immediate action to improve the cleanliness of Klang.
“I want to see results as soon as possible. I do not want to hear any more excuses over failures to overcome these issues,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
