KOTA BHARU: The Irrigation and Drainage Department has expedited the opening of 20 water discharge channels in Phase 1 of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project as a measure to tackle floods, particularly in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas. State Welfare, Family and Women’s Development Committee chairman Rohani Ibrahim stated that the Kelantan government has also decided not to repair the embankment breached last year in the project area to mitigate the impact of flooding.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these measures are part of critical preparations for the upcoming northeast monsoon season. Additionally, 618 flood hotspot locations have been identified across the state to bolster preparedness. Rohani Ibrahim also mentioned an increase in the number of relief centres to 459 this year, accommodating up to 186,440 evacuees, an increase from 214 centres last year. This was in response to a question from Tuan Harun Ismail (PAS-Tawang) about the government’s flood preparedness during th
e state assembly sitting.

Rohani further detailed that 38 active relief centres have been upgraded with an allocation of RM810,000 from the National Disaster Management Agency. In terms of food supply, the Social Welfare Department has established a main storage depot, six district disaster storerooms, and 160 forward bases, alongside appointing 85 suppliers for essential goods statewide.

The number of personnel and rescuers has been increased to 7,209 individuals this year compared to 7,147 last year, with 19,619 assets. Additionally, over 100 volunteers and 34 non-governmental organisations are involved in coordinating aid at the constituency level. Rohani urged the public to remain vigilant to flood sirens and adhere to the authorities’ instructions to ensure the safety of their family members.