Silver lining behind the floods

KUALA LUMPUR: The unprecedented flooding witnessed in several states in the Peninsula has been heart wrenching but despite the disaster, the silver lining has been the resilience of the victims and the outpouring of support which has brought relief to those affected.

Amid the COVID-19 situation, several national leaders had taken time off to witness the flood situation and visit the victims showing that they care and are concerned over the people’s well-being.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof yesterday announced that the government is drafting a post-flood action plan to help repair the homes of people affected by the disaster.

Meanwhile, a mission to distribute flood relief by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah around Kuantan, Pahang turned out to be a surprise for the family of a child with heart condition, Muhammad Faqish Aryan Khairy Aswan, when the convoy stopped near their house.

Saifuddin, when informed that six-year-old Faqish, diagnosed with a heart defect at the age of three months, needed to go to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for an examination on Jan 14, immediately said he would help arrange their trip there.

In addition, financial institutions such as Bank Muamalat and Bank Simpanan Nasional have offered moratorium payment period (MPP) of up to six months for flood victims.

Meanwhile in helping to manage flood victims, about 4,900 personnel and 1,015 assets have been deployed by the Malaysian Armed Forces, in addition to the 15,000 staff and alumni members being deployed under the Universiti Teknologi Mara Post-Flood Volunteer Mission.

However, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had advised non-governmental organisations (NGOs) intending to render assistance, to contact the disaster operations control centre so that the aid distribution process is well-coordinated.

As of 7 pm yesterday, the flood situation in five states is showing positive signs with the drop in number of victims seeking shelter at relief centres.

In PERAK, only 93 victims are still at two relief centres located in Hilir Perak and Hulu Perak districts.

In JOHOR, 479 victims from 218 families are still at relief centres in the Mersing, Segamat and Kota Tinggi districts.

Meanwhile in KELANTAN, three relief centres in Kota Bharu, Gua Musang and Kuala Krai were closed leaving 3,096 victims in 36 relief centres.

However, there has not been much changes in TERENGGANU as 10,055 victims are still at 49 relief centres while in PAHANG, 26,574 victims are still being housed at 285 relief centres in nine districts.

-- BERNAMA