As residents face frequent floods, Member of Parliament, Sim Tze Tzin, still insists that the vicitims must practise patience. His ignorance of such a statement adds salt to the wounds of these victims, and does not solve the issue. 

The issue of flash floods in Bayan Baru has been ongoing for quite some time. Sim Tze Tzin, who has served as an MP for three terms and a state assemblyman for one term—totaling 15 years—has yet to resolve the problem. It is unreasonable for him to request flood victims to exercise patience; are they expected to wait yet another 15 years? 

While it is understandable that flood management plans cannot be implemented overnight, 15 years should be sufficient to carry out various short-term and long-term flood mitigation plans if he had the determination to do so. Yet, not only is the problem persisting, it has actually worsened. 

The frequency of flash floods in Bayan Baru, which used to occur three times a month, has now escalated to twice a week. As an elected representative, Sim Tze Tzin should  prioritise assistance or aid to these flood victims, or, at the very least, set goals and deadlines for the flood management plans. An indefinite waiting time is simply not viable.  

The flooding has caused significant inconvenience and financial losses for the residents of Bayan Baru. Every rainy day brings fear and anxiety to the people, while their elected representative only talks about ‘future plans.’ 

Sim Tze Tzin needs to stop offering empty assurances and take concrete actions to assist flood victims, investigate why flood management seems to be worsening, and make the details of the flood management projects and future plans public for further scrutiny. The people deserve to know where every cent of public funds is being spent.

Flooding should not be a part of people’s lives, and elected representatives must do their job rather than make excuses and ask for more time and 'patience' .

Saw Yee Fung 
MCA Youth Secretary-General 

16 September 2024 

-MCA Comm-