SHAH ALAM: The flood situation across Malaysia, particularly in the states of Kelantan and Terengganu, has reached a critical level, surpassing the severity experienced in 2014, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Deputy Prime Minister.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid expressed concern over the potential for the situation to deteriorate further due to anticipated high tides in the South China Sea and the Straits of Melaka, which are expected to peak during this period. Despite this, he remains hopeful that the situation will not escalate, citing forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) that predict a decrease in rainfall surges.

“We are confident that with the reduced rainfall, there will be a drop in the number of victims being transferred to temporary relief centres (PPS),” Ahmad Zahid stated during a press conference following the opening of the Barisan Nasional (BN) Convention at the Shah Alam Convention Centre. The event was also attended by BN s
ecretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Selangor BN chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who also serves as the state Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman.

In his remarks, Ahmad Zahid urged residents in flood-prone areas to adhere to the directives of state disaster management committees. He emphasized that over 82,000 security personnel have been deployed to aid flood victims. The Deputy Prime Minister assured that the PPS facilities nationwide have the capacity to accommodate approximately 2.1 million flood victims.

“However, we feel that preparedness alone is not enough,” he warned. “Residents in areas expected to flood, especially in low-lying areas, must heed the advice of the state disaster management committees to evacuate early. We do not want the death toll to rise, so preparedness and early warnings must be fully followed to prevent the loss of life.” Ahmad Zahid also called upon volunteer organizations and individuals to be ready to offe
r post-disaster assistance to alleviate the hardships faced by victims once the floods recede.

Amidst the ongoing crisis, Ahmad Zahid appealed to all parties to put aside political differences and unite in their efforts to support flood victims. The flood situation in Peninsular Malaysia has worsened, with the number of victims in PPS increasing to 152,377 as of this morning, up from 146,611 the previous night. The state of Pahang has also been affected, with 15 PPS established in the Raub district to accommodate 452 victims from 146 families.