Kuala lumpur: The government, through the Central Disaster Management Committee and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), has mobilised all security agency branches at all levels to tackle flooding affecting several states in the East Coast and north Peninsular Malaysia. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in his capacity as Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, announced the activation of 63 temporary relief centres in affected areas.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, NADMA's disaster control centre reported as of 4 pm that 13,915 individuals from 4,844 families have been affected by the flooding caused by continuous downpours. Kelantan is the most affected, with 3,487 families and 9,503 victims recorded, followed by Perak with 485 families and 1,538 victims, Perlis with 426 families and 1,426 victims, Kedah with 168 families and 542 victims, Penang with 106 families and 414 victims, Selangor with 94 families and 283 victims, and Terengganu with 78 families and 209 victims.
The Civil Defence Force (CDF) is on high alert, especially in Kelantan, with over 1,205 personnel activated and additional teams from nearby states ready to be mobilised. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the CDF's preparedness with 91 land and water assets, such as boats, ambulances, lorries, four-wheel drive vehicles, observation drones, and water rescue equipment. Disaster Operations Control Centres are monitoring weather conditions, river water levels, and at-risk slopes around the clock.
Proactive measures by the CDF include the early activation of control centres in all districts in Kelantan, periodic patrols with land and water assets in flood-prone areas, and information dissemination through CDF social media. The CDF is collaborating with other disaster management agencies to boost readiness in the field.
The government ensures that all evacuees receive adequate necessities, such as food, camps, toiletries, and medicines, at relief centres. Ahmad Zahid urged flood victims and residents in at-risk areas to comply with authorities' instructions to minimise the disaster's impact on lives and property.
He also encouraged the public to access information and flood warnings via publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my, its Facebook account PubliclnfoBanjir, its X account JPS InfoBanjir, and to download the myCuaca app for weather updates from the Malaysian Meteorological Department. "I pray and hope that this incident will not cause major damage and that everyone remains calm and strong through this troubled time," he added.