MORE than 11,000 people in 4,500 households are affected by massive floods, which rank among  the worst in the country’s history, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said last night.

He said the government’s priority is to evacuate the people who are still trapped by the waters.

He said as of 11pm last night, 188 temporary flood relief centers (PPS) have been set up in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Malacca.

“A total of 5,731 PPS have been prepared throughout the country which can house up to 1,628,512 victims,” he said in a press conference.

Selangor has 45 PPS.

The centres currently house 3,826 people from 2,551 households.

Ismail said while the East Coast states were better prepared to face the floods in anticipation of the yearly monsoon season, Selangor was taken by surprise.

“I have spoken to the army general  to mobilise more army personnel and assets tonight to help with the evacuation as water levels have been rising rapidly and many are still trapped at home,” he said.

Ismail said that he has also contacted the IGP to mobilise personnel to assist in the process, especially in Selangor.

He said he has received calls for help on social media.

“Some were ill and trapped. We will try our best to evacuate those who are trapped tonight so that they can be moved (to the PPS) immediately.

“I was made to understand there are some who were trapped in a bus for eight hours. I have instructed the Fire and Rescue Department to head to the spot at once and help them.”

He said the priority now is to save lives and that government will look into other forms of assistance later.

He added that authorities are still collating information on how many people are still trapped.

As for food supply for the displaced, he said this will be taken care of by the National Disaster Management Agency and Social Welfare Department.

“To the flood victims, don’t worry we will ensure all rescue efforts are carried out. Please be careful during the flood.

“If possible, please stay somewhere safe.”

Ismail said 66,015 people from the various government agencies, including police, the army, and local council have been mobilised for the rescue and aid mission.

The Social Welfare Department has prepared 521 spots across the country to distribute necessities to victims while 500 volunteers from the Malaysia Family Squad will be helping victims at the PPS.

More than 450 vehicles from various government agencies have been mobilised to assist in aid and rescue efforts.  –  December 19, 2021.