The Malaysian Insight

PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob admitted that there was a delay in delivering aid to flood victims, saying that any unresolved issue will be resolved today.

“It is true that there was a bit of a delay in delivering food and other (aid),” he told a press conference in Klang, Selangor, today.

The unexpected downpour in Selangor caught federal and state authorities off-guard and unprepared, he added.

“The Environment and Water Ministry has informed me that the rainfall in the state yesterday was equivalent to that of a month.

“When that happened, it led to a disorderly situation. That is why there was no preparation for evacuation.

“(We) did not expect water levels to rapidly rise, and that is why some (victims) were stranded while waiting to be evacuated by authorities.”

Ismail said food could not be delivered as roads were inundated yesterday, but the situation has improved today.

He said the government will look at alternatives such as using helicopters to deliver food to areas where land access has been cut off.

“All issues from yesterday must be resolved” and enforcement authorities have been mobilised, he added.

The head of government said water levels will recede in some areas, and rise in others, but added that Selangor need not worry as preparations have been made.

The situation has improved in Terengganu, but other states such as Pahang are still grappling with increasing water levels. The situation in east coast states is manageable as they are ready for annual monsoon seasons, unlike Selangor. – December 19, 2021.