Govt priority now on saving lives, evacuating trapped: Ismail Sabri

KUALA LUMPUR – The government’s immediate priority, in response to the floods now in several states, is to save lives and evacuate the trapped, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The prime minister said the government would also ensure food is provided to flood victims, especially in the Klang Valley, which is the worst-hit region.

"We cannot afford to wait. (Other types of aid) will be discussed later; what is important now is to rescue stranded victims first by moving them to safe ground. We will work out financial aid and other kinds of assistance later.

“We know that when victims are moved out, they don’t have food. The National Disaster Management Agency is working with the Social Welfare Department and other agencies to deliver food,” he told a press conference at the National Disaster Command Centre here last night.

As at 11pm last night, 188 relief centres were opened in six states hit by flooding following heavy rain since the day before, involving 11,384 victims from 4,500 families.

Apart from Selangor, the other states hit by floods are Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, and Perak.  

Ismail Sabri said the authorities would ensure that evacuation and food aid delivery would begin immediately.

The Social Welfare Department has 521 forward bases throughout the country ready to supply essential items to victims at relief centres. 

On the latest flood situation in Selangor, Ismail Sabri said that as at 10.45pm yesterday, 45 centres had been opened, housing 3,826 victims from 2,551 families.

"The situation in Selangor is quite disorganised as this state is usually not affected during the monsoon season,” he said.

The prime minister said he had instructed the inspector-general of police to deploy more personnel to help flood victims in Selangor.

Ismail Sabri said 39 relief centres were opened in Kelantan, two in Terengganu, 84 in Pahang, 45 in Selangor, and nine each in both Melaka and Negri Sembilan.

“Federal and state disaster management committees have mobilised all assistance and assets under their administration.

“Overall, 66,015 personnel from enforcement agencies are involved, comprising police, armed forces, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Public Works Department, Social Welfare Department, and local authorities,” he said.

Ismail Sabri said 5,731 relief centres are ready throughout the country, capable of housing 1.6 million evacuees.

He also said 500 Keluarga Malaysia Squad volunteers have been mobilised to help evacuees at relief centres. – Bernama, December 19, 2021