Perlis: Floods that hit Perlis at the end of November caused an estimated RM150 million in losses, affecting infrastructure, homes, agriculture, local businesses, public facilities, as well as the education and health sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perlis State Secretary Datuk Rahimi Ismail stated that the losses were lower than the initial estimate of RM230 million due to the effectiveness of the 'Western Flood Diversion System', which helped reduce flooding in several critical areas.

He reported that a total of 38,589 people from 13,881 families were affected by the floods, including those who did not evacuate to the 24 temporary evacuation centres opened during the disaster. 'Rapid water inflow, especially after the release of water from the Timah Tasoh Dam, caused many residential areas and paddy fields to be submerged,' Rahimi stated at a press conference on post-flood rehabilitation efforts.

Rahimi further explained that large-scale clean-up operations were conducted through the Disaster Operations Control Centre, involving agencies such as the Civil Defence Force, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Social Welfare Department, SWCorp, as well as the police, fire department, and military teams. He also mentioned that flood warning systems and emergency preparedness worked well despite the fast-rising water levels.

Additionally, cash aid from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has commenced, with about one-third of recipients already receiving assistance and the rest expected to be completed within three weeks.