Devastating floods reveal multiple systemic failures – Malaysian Bar

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THE Malaysian Bar extends its deepest sympathy to those who have been affected by the floods that have occurred over the past week. 

At the time of writing this press release, 37 individuals have perished, with 10 still missing and tens of thousands have been displaced following the recent floods, which have been described as the worst floods our country has experienced since 1971.

There have been numerous reported incidents of motorists stranded in their cars and flood victims being left without any assistance.

Many were left to fend for themselves just to survive the floods, while in many other instances, the Malaysian public themselves had to step in to help one another. These reports are distressing and disheartening, and immediate action must be taken to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.

The Malaysian Bar urgently calls for the strengthening and democratisation of legal accountability as a long-term solution to the myriad of weaknesses and gaps in our systems of governance.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had admitted to shortcomings in our country’s flood management. The government of Malaysia has long been aware of, and ostensibly preparing for, the risks of extreme weather and floods posed by climate change and unsustainable development. 

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