The Malaysian Insight

THE Terengganu government is mobilising its resources and using all the help it can get in providing quick relief to flood victims, Hanafiah Mat said, dismissing claims on social media that the state government was doing little. 

The state executive councillor, who is also the Terengganu Disaster Committee deputy chairman, said besides the Civil Defence Agency (APM) and Fire and Rescue Department, the government has roped in several civil society groups to help out. 

The number of people displaced by the floods in the state now stands at 39,108 from 10,735 families. 

Hanafiah said the state government had made preparations since the first wave of floods hit the state two weeks ago.

However, because of the unusual second wave of flooding, rescue work and assistance were delayed, he said.

“We have tried our best. So far, I am satisfied with our government agencies, APM, Department of Social Welfare, the fire department and civil society groups such as Khidmat Malaysia Terengganu which are working tirelessly to rescue the victims and move them to the evacuation centres,” he told The Malaysian Insight today. 

“If there are delays and shortages in terms of aid and equipment such as tents and mattresses, we apologise. Water rises quickly and suddenly, therefore, there is a slight delay. 

“If something goes viral on social media, one or two ask for help, we consider it an isolated case because rescuers may also face difficulties and challenges.

“But so far, I understand that everything is going smoothly.”

He said there were 318 relief centres for the flood victims. 

Besut and Jertih districts were badly affected as all roads were flooded.

Kemaman recorded the highest number of flood victims at 11,574, and 35 relief centres were opened.

Besut has 9,378 victims taking shelter at 96 centres while Hulu Terengganu has 6,428 victims at 58 centres.

Emergency ordinance used

Hanafiah, who is also Chukai assemblyman, said the state government is also using money from the emergency fund to buy foodstuffs and other necessities for the victims. 

He said the government had also obtained approval from the fire department to send food aid via helicopter to areas that had been cut off due to flooding. 

He asked the public to stop accusing PAS representatives of not helping the affected residents as the claims were untrue. 

He said all PAS representatives had gone down to the ground to help flood victims since the first wave. 

“Our assemblymen are on the ground. As the deputy state disaster chairman, I am the one who monitors them. No one is left out,” he said. 

“There are so many victims, no one can see who’s who. But I can guarantee that all PAS assemblymen have gone to the ground to help out.”  

Another exco member and Jabi assemblyman Azman Ibrahim described the flood in Besut as one of the worst that has ever hit the district in 40 years.

“Last year, we were not affected by floods, but this year, 11 relief centres were opened,” he said.  

“In Jabi, everything is under control. We are not panicking when facing an increase in the number of evacuees.”  

However, he expects the situation in his area to gradually recover since there are some places where the water has started to recede. 

“Now we are in post-flood preparations,” he said. 

“We can start cleaning the houses and fortunately, this year, the flood did not bring too much mud, so the cleaning process will be a little easier.” 

Meanwhile, a flood victim, Norhaliza Awang, 35, from Teluk Pasu, Kuala Terengganu said she and her husband had decided to use their own boat to move to a shelter at SK Bukit Losong as they were worried about the safety of their children and ailing mother. 

She said they did not expect the flood to be so bad and because of that, they did not move to a relief centre earlier.

“When the floodwater rose three metres, we decided leave for the relief centre. I am grateful that everyone is safe,” she said. – December 20, 2022.