KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has admitted that relevant authorities and agencies were far from prepared over the rapidly rising water levels in several states over the past few days but contends that the worst is over.
Speaking to a press conference today, the prime minister said that some parts of the country experienced one month worth of rain in a single day, leading to the situation where many Malaysians, especially those in the Klang Valley, were left stranded and begging to be rescued.
The unexpected torrent of rainfall had triggered the deluge and disaster – where the authorities were overwhelmed and assistance could not be given to victims due to road closure.
“I was made to understand that the situation is recovering, and if things do get worse, we have alternatives. If there are areas we can't go to, we will send helicopters.
“All issues that occurred yesterday are now considered resolved,” he added.
However, despite Ismail’s assurances that all problems yesterday were solved, there are still many who require assistance up till today – seeing that some are stranded in their homes or on their rooftops requiring food, water and other basic necessities.
Some are still asking for help as of this afternoon, with many netizens mobilising to help their fellow Malaysians in need – either by volunteering their assets such as 4-wheel-drives or blasting out SOS on behalf of the victims.
Last night saw many desperate flood victims taking to social media seeking help as authorities could not access them.
Unfortunately, the emergency services faced severe logistical issues due to submerged or damaged roads, leading to the mobilisation of social media volunteers.
Many victims shared photos of themselves in their homes submerged up in chest-deep water, awaiting help.
So far, Ismail Sabri said that there are around 15,000 victims currently seeking refuge at temporary relief centres (PPS) with 103 PPS spread over in eight districts in Selangor.
Furthermore, the Bera MP added that the Health Ministry will deploy medical personnel to all PPS, to ensure a supply of medicines, masks and sanitisers.
All those seeking refuge there would have to undergo an RTK-AG Covid-19 test.
Additionally, Ismail Sabri also mentioned that the government has set aside RM100 million to prepare for the aftermath of the floods.
He said each family head will receive RM1,000 in assistance funds.
“As mentioned by the government before in September 2021, we have increased the amount of assistance under the Ehsan Fund to RM1,000 per family.
“We will ramp up payment to those in flood areas,” Ismail said.
In order to provide immediate relief, Putrajaya has also collaborated with a number of government-linked companies to prepare a RM40 million fund for this purpose.
Additionally, the prime minister has also ordered an emergency leave for all public servants affected by the floods.
He said, if more days are needed to clean homes and perform repairs, staff can discuss with department heads.
As for the private sector, Ismail pleaded for employers to similarly grant emergency leave for staff members affected by the floods.
He further urged that this leave should not involve any deduction of salaries or annual leaves. – The Vibes, December 19, 2021
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