Learn flood mitigation from other countries - Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing

KUALA LUMPUR - Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said Malaysia must look to other countries to learn about flood mitigation.

Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said that countries that are below sea level like the Netherlands are still safe and not flooded.

"We have to think, the Netherlands or other countries arebelow sea level, how can they have a country that is safe and not flooded? We have to learn from them," he said at the parliament lobby.

Tiong was visiting a Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation batik booth in Parliament.

Tiong added that the effort to mitigate floods can be costly but the nation could do it in phases.

"It is possible that it will be costly but we must go through with it by phases and we have to try.

"I want urge all ministers, let us defend and protect the interests of the people and develop our country.

As of 2pm today, number of flood victims recorded in Pahang, Perak, Johor, Kelantan and Terengganu is 67,215.

The number of victims who have to evacuate their homes in Kelantan and Terengganu has also increased compared to yesterday.