Kuala lumpur: A total of 5,744 Social Welfare Department (JKM) volunteers and 976 members of the Psychological Support Team (PST) have been placed on standby nationwide following unpredictable weather conditions caused by the Northeast Monsoon, particularly the risk of flooding.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that the current priority is to ensure readiness in several key areas, including online registration of victims, distribution of essential items and food supplies, health and hygiene management, security, as well as activities at evacuation centres nationwide. These preparations aim to manage disasters and provide mental health support to affected communities. In areas where internet access is unavailable, district offices will assist in ensuring victims receive appropriate aid.

Commenting on the flood situation in Sabah, Nancy emphasized the ministry's preparedness for any eventuality following continuous rainfall leading to floods in several areas. She highlighted the focus on frontline preparedness, especially in rural regions, and assured that frontline stock supplies are currently sufficient. The ministry is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to ensure smooth disaster management.

Nancy also noted that 4,785 JKM personnel have been deployed to affected locations in Sabah. Each relief centre (PPS) will have at least one counsellor to assist evacuees, particularly children. BERNAMA reported that the number of flood victims in Sabah rose to 3,685 people from 1,593 families, a significant increase from 406 people from 124 families the previous day.

The Sabah State Disaster Management Secretariat stated that 18 PPS are currently operating across three affected districts: Kota Marudu, Pitas, and Paitan, with 47 villages impacted. Continuous rainfall over the past few days led to the floods, which hit all three districts at 6 am yesterday.