PUTRAJAYA, Oct 24 — The Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC) will obtain a full report on the October 18 flash flood that hit Zoo Negara to prevent a recurrence of the incident, said its minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
“We will get detailed information to determine the cause of the incident and the best way to overcome the problem,” he said at a press conference after launching the National Biodiversity Conference and the National Biodiversity Policy (DKBK) 2022-2030 today.
The media reported that 50 visitors were rescued by Zoo Negara staff using a truck and tractor after being stranded at the zoo at 5pm.
Zoo Negara deputy president Rosly@Rahmat Ahmad Lana was quoted as saying the incident resulted in over RM300,000 in losses.
In another development, Nik Nazmi said the government would look at the feasibility of the proposed Transboundary Haze Act and other matters, as there were several limitations, including those regarding prosecution.
“Based on the same law enforced in Singapore (the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014), the republic confirmed that some companies have been brought in for investigation, but it is quite challenging to prosecute the responsible parties.
“That is why we believe that we must look into it thoroughly. We want it (the proposed law) to be meaningful and able to protect Malaysians,” he said.
On October 12, Nik Nazmi said the government would continue to examine the need to introduce a bill on transboundary haze.
In May, the minister was reported as saying the government needed to look at the feasibility of a Transboundary Haze Act by considering diplomatic ties with foreign countries and environmental pollution preventive measures.
— Bernama
