Selangor state Chief Minister Amirudin Shari confirmed that another nine people have been reported dead, bringing the total deaths due to severe flooding in Malaysia to 17 as of Tuesday.
“At this time, our focus is to ensure search and rescue operations are carried out effectively and that they reach all who need it,” he said.
The number of displaced persons due to flooding in Malaysia has risen to over 69,400 in seven states plus the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. The worst-hit state is Pahang along the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, with over 42,000 people being evacuated to flood relief centers, followed by Selangor state with over 23,000 evacuated.
The country’s meteorological department has warned of more rain in the Peninsula Malaysia, with rain and storms expected in several states on Wednesday.
14 foot deep floods bring snakes into houses in Malaysia ���� December 19 pic.twitter.com/te5wgjC6bO
— #كابتن_غازي_عبداللطيف (@CaptainGhazi) December 20, 2021
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob told a meeting with chief ministers that it was found that states such as Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang had been prepared to face the floods, especially during this time of the year, according to state news agency Bernama.
He said while east coast states have been prepared to face annual floods, the situation in Selangor state is unexpected, and acknowledged that there have been problems with the disaster management response.
“I don’t deny (the weakness) and will improve in the future. The responsibility is not that of the federal government alone, but also the state governments and the frontliners in the districts. In Selangor, there is a problem. We are transparent about this, and I do not want to cover for anyone,” Sabri Yaakob said.
