Malaysia floods: Six months’ worth of rain fell in five days across east coast, says PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Six months’ average of rain falling within five days across the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula last week was beyond expectations, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the high rainfall between Nov 26 and 30 led to flooding that forced a large number of people in Kelantan and Terengganu to be evacuated.

The recorded rainfall at Irrigation and Drainage Department stations in Tanah Merah and Tumpat districts, for example, exceeded 1,167mm in just five days.

“According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the reading (in Kelantan) was at 1,442mm, an extraordinarily high level of rainfall. In Terengganu, MetMalaysia’s Besut station recorded 1,761mm of rain during the same period,” Mr Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat, or Parliament, on Dec 3.

“Overall, the (average) rainfall was 1,349mm, far beyond our expectations.”

He also said the government is preparing for the forecast monsoon surge announced by MetMalaysia, expected to start after Dec 8.

Mr Anwar also took the chance to thank enforcement agencies and the local authorities for their efforts throughout the week.

“A total of 80,000 civil servants were involved in flood relief efforts which comprised the federal and state governments, as well as district authorities,” he said.

“Government-linked companies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations were also together... helping the victims.”

Mr Anwar said that as the floods recede, (university volunteer groups) have also been on the ground to assist victims in clean-up efforts.

“I thank Malaysians for their selfless efforts in unison and care from various backgrounds who came forward during the disaster,” he added. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK