NORTHEAST monsoon floods have not yet happened and all agencies must be prepared for situations to worsen, said armed forces chief Affendi Buang.

He said because of this, the armed forces have already made preparations for rescue operations.

“We are better prepared. Everything is on standby,” he told a press conference in Shah Alam, Selangor, today.

“But I would like to remind you that the current floods are not as severe as the ones to come. The monsoon has yet to reach Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor.”

He said these four states are traditional flood-prone states during the northeast monsoon season.

“The monsoon floods have yet to happen. Our personnel have been mobilised to the four states and prepared for any eventuality.

“As such, stop pointing fingers and be prepared for disaster.”

Affendi said based on the current flood situation, focus is being given to Pahang, where more flood-stricken areas and victims have been detected.

“There are 38,399 flood victims in Pahang, as of now.

“Our personnel have been despatched to nine areas in the state, namely Bera, Bentong, Maran, Pekan, Jerantut, Raub, Kuantan, Kuala Lipis and Temerloh.

“Each operation involves 16 officers and 206 soldiers.”

He said the situation is still under control in Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Negri Sembilan.

Putrajaya has come under fire from the public over delays in coordination and launching flood rescue and relief efforts.

Flood victims said they did not see any government agency when floods struck over the weekend, adding that the first on the scene were civilian volunteers and non-governmental organisations. – December 23, 2021.