COMMUNITIES and civil society groups have stepped up flood relief efforts to ensure no one is left behind as they help rescue stranded people in disaster-hit Terengganu.

Zuhairi Mohd Sidi, 29, is leading one such group.

He said the group is carrying out the mission – its first – after hearing about the floods that almost crippled Hulu Terengganu yesterday.

The tour guide told The Malaysian Insight that members have brought three boats, which were used to rescue and deliver food and necessities to flood victims.

“We have never done it before as floods in Terengganu are usually normal and initial preparations have been made.

“But this time, it is a bit unusual as areas that are previously not flood-prone are affected.

“That is why we came down, and it is a right and timely decision as the situation in Hulu Terengganu yesterday was very critical, with continuous rain and strong currents.

“It was difficult,” he said, adding that the group’s rescue mission started at 11am and ended at 11pm.

The Terengganu native said this is the first time that he saw such a severe flood situation in the state.

“Vehicles can reach only Kampung Lebak as other (areas) are flooded. So we stopped there, and it took us half an hour to travel to the village.

“First, we went to SK Kampung Gemuroh to rescue 50 people who were trapped.”

The group rescued 12 families, including a senior citizen who was suffering from asthma, added Zuhairi.

“We also delivered essential items such as food, milk and diapers.

“There are other groups, like Pulau Redang residents, that provided food and we distributed it using our boats.”

The Terengganu floods this time are considered among the worst in the state’s history.

There are 17,742 flood victims from 4,557 families in the state as at 8am today.

Kemaman and Hulu Terengganu recorded the highest number of evacuees with 8,027 and 3,700, respectively.

The state Irrigation and Drainage Department issued a warning of high sea levels that may take place from February 25 to March 8.

The waves are forecast to reach between 2.8m to 3.2m in Kemaman and 2.2m and 2.6m in Kuala Terengganu, it added.

The phenomenon has put some areas in these districts at risk of floods.

Majlis Muafakat NGO Terengganu deputy chairman I Wan Mohd Faizul Wan Abas said so far, four civil society groups are mobilised in flood relief efforts in the state since yesterday.

They are Gerakan Anak Terengganu Insaf, Iman Care, Khidmat Malaysia and Prihatin.

Iman Care has sent three boats for rescue missions in Setiu and Hulu Terengganu, said Wan Faizul.

“Dapur rakyat (the people’s kitchen) will be opened for operations in Hulu Terengganu.

“We are working on heavy vehicles to go to disaster-hit areas for evacuation and survey operations.”

He said the mission this time is challenging given the unforeseen flood situation.

“The water level rapidly rose yesterday.

“Our non-governmental organisation (NGO) did not have time to sit and coordinate plans for the rescue mission, which was done only via social media. That is why the situation was a bit chaotic.”

Civil society groups also face challenges in terms of shortage of volunteers, as it was a working day.

Terengganu Muda chairman Asrul Malik said the party is gathering volunteers for post-flood relief efforts.

“Our focus is on the post-flood mission. We are gathering volunteers to help clean up residential areas, villages, surau and mosques.

“We will also provide prayer cloth, personal care items, toiletries and food.”

Muda will be assisted by two NGO from Kuala Lumpur, namely Bantu Dia and the Democratic Institute Club.

“Currently, we are very short of volunteers. We have only about 15, while the area in need of cleaning is large,” said Asrul.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer can register via this link. – March 1, 2022.