Kedah MB’s Office Clarifies Sanusi’s Japan Visit as Official Amid Flood Crisis*
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — The office of Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has confirmed that his current trip abroad is for official business, not a holiday, amid allegations and concerns over his absence as several districts in Kedah are grappling with severe floods and storms.
In a statement, the office clarified that Sanusi, who is also the Jeneri state assemblyman, is in Kumamoto, Japan, on a study visit to examine underground dam management.
“This visit is linked to an alternative project in Langkawi to source underground water, aimed at meeting the island’s needs up until 2040,” the statement explained.
The project, overseen by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC), involves constructing Southeast Asia’s first underground water dam in Langkawi, which is expected to be completed by 2028. This initiative is designed to resolve the island’s ongoing water supply issues, which have adversely affected its standing as a world-class tourist destination.
Accompanying the menteri besar on this study visit are several management and technical staff from the Kedah State Water Resources Board (LSANK), the statement added.
Japan was selected for the visit due to its expertise in underground dam technology, with similar systems operational in Kumamoto and Okinawa.
The office further clarified that the trip was planned well in advance, following a decision made during an LSANK meeting on April 1, 2024. Sanusi and his delegation departed for Japan on September 17, just days before the floods struck the state.
Despite his absence, the menteri besar’s office assured the public that relief operations would continue uninterrupted. "Existing control, relief, and safety agencies under both the state and federal governments are fully capable of managing the situation efficiently,” it said.
Sanusi is reportedly monitoring the situation closely from Japan and remains committed to ensuring flood victims in Kedah receive prompt assistance.
“It is highly irresponsible to spread slander during such challenging times, regardless of the motive,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the number of flood victims in Kedah across seven districts rose to 4,426 individuals from 1,306 families, housed in 32 relief centres, up from 3,831 people earlier in the day, according to the Public Infobanjir website of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS). The number of river areas recording dangerous water levels has decreased from nine to seven.
