Kedah is one of the states that is being hit by the flood and with the people there trying to face the disaster, a rumour circulated on social media claimed that the state’s Menteri Besar (MB), Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Md. Nor is away in Japan for a trip with his wife.
Is Sanusi really on a honeymoon trip with his wife despite the disaster in Kedah? Here’s what the Menteri Besar’s Office had to say about the alleged honeymoon trip.
Yes, Sanusi is in Kumamato City, Japan, but for an official visit and NOT a holiday.
According to a statement via the office’s Facebook today (September 20), Sanusi is in Japan to study the management of underground dam operations and this visit was scheduled back in April this year. The post also shared some pictures of Sanusi in Japan attending the meeting.
“This visit is linked to an alternative project in Langkawi to source underground water to meet the island’s needs up to 2040,” the statement wrote.
The project falls under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC), and will see the construction of Southeast Asia’s 1st underground water dam in Langkawi, which is expected to be completed by 2028.
“The dam aims to address the island’s ongoing water supply issues, which have negatively impacted its reputation as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.”
The statement, however, did not disclose if Sanusi’s wife tagged along for the work trip but revealed that several staff members from the Kedah State Water Resources Board’s (LSANK) management and technical team participated in the official visit.
Sanusi and his team took the flight to Japan on September 17, which was before the flood happened. It is uncertain as to how long Sanusi will be in Japan.
“Slandering is irresponsible”
The office also reminded Malaysians that it is irresponsible to spread slander in such difficult times, regardless of the motive.
“Despite being abroad, Sanusi is closely monitoring the developments here and his absence will not disrupt ongoing relief efforts. Sanusi makes sure that flood victims in Kedah receive effective and immediate help.”
As of this morning, Kosmo reported that 6,104 victims in Kedah were affected by the flood, and they have been moved to a temporary evacuation centre (PPS).
To those in Kedah and flood victims in other states, hang in there!
