KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has expressed his concern with flash floods that often wreak havoc in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.
A a result, he wants the problem dealt with immediately.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said besides the ill-effects on the people, economic growth was also affected.
“Development must always be in line with environmental conservation initiatives and development in high and hilly areas, including in water catchment areas, must be regulated,” the King said at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the 2023 Federal Territory Day at Istana Negara yesterday.
His Majesty also expressed the need for all ministers, DBKL and city folk to help in efforts to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the city.
“Make Kuala Lumpur a first-class city, not second or third-class. I hope this will be a dream come true,” said His Majesty.
The King also wanted the government to double its efforts to preserve the well-being of the people and develop the federal territories as distinguished and sustainable cities.
His Majesty hoped that assistance to the poor and low-income groups in the federal territories could be given special focus by the government by, among others, increasing job opportunities and helping to reduce the cost of living that had been burdening the urban poor.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation at the proactive efforts and initiatives by the Federal Territories Department in improving the standard of living and easing the burden of its citizens through the implementation of various programmes.
These included welfare assistance to the poor and efforts to provide comfortable housing for low-income residents, added His Majesty.
The King also congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the formation of the unity government after the 15th General Election and expressed satisfaction with Anwar’s commitment to apply the values of integrity in the government and take immediate efforts to resolve the economic problems facing the people. — Bernama