Floods expected in four Malaysian states from Dec 31

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia's Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) on Wednesday (Dec 29) predicted that floods will occur in four states in Peninsular Malaysia from Dec 31.

These four states that face South China Sea are Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor.

The prediction comes after an advisory on Tuesday from the Malaysian Meteorological Department, which warned of continuous rain.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Wednesday announced a RM1.4 billion (S$453 million) flood aid package to help victims recover from the recent deluge.

The package of assistance and facilities for victims includes compassionate cash aid of RM1,000 for heads of households, RM10,000 for the next of kin of those who died in the floods and RM500 in vouchers to buy new electrical goods.

Datuk Seri Ismail said in a statement that all heads of households, including those who were not evacuated to temporary relief centres, will be eligible for the cash aid.

Malaysia is on high alert after heavy rain from Dec 17 to 19 was followed by widespread flooding in seven states and the Kuala Lumpur federal territory, with some 66,000 people forced to abandon their homes. On Wednesday, more than 9,000 people remained in relief centres.

Districts facing the South China Sea are typically hit by monsoon rain and flooding every year from November to January.

The DID predicted that flooding is expected in Kelantan, starting on Dec 31 at 8pm at Sungai Kelantan.

"It will involve several districts including Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Jeli, Tanah Merah and Machang.

"Floods near Sungai Golok will involve the districts of Tanah Merah (Jenob) and Pasir Mas (Rantau Panjang) as well as the surrounding areas that are at risk," it said in a statement.

For Terengganu, floods are expected to start on Dec 31 at 8am near Sungai Besut, involving the district of Besut.

"It might also affect those staying near Sungai Terengganu and the surrounding areas that are at risk of floods.

"Floods might start on Jan 1 at 8am in Pahang near Sungai Pahang involving the districts of Maran, Temerloh and Jerantut; Sungai Kuantan involving the district of Kuantan (Sg. Lembing); and Sungai Rompin involving the Rompin district as well as the surrounding areas that are at risk of flooding.

For Johor, the DID said floods might take place on Jan 1 at 8pm near Sungai Mersing, involving the Mersing district and surrounding areas that are at risk of floods.

The department has advised residents in low-lying areas to take precautions and follow the authorities' instructions.