KLANG MP Charles Santiago sent out a SOS call today, requesting four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles and boats to reach out to victims trapped by flood waters.

“Our workers and volunteers are victims of flooding too, and we are facing shortage in manpower to distribute food and water. Hence, we are here to recruit more volunteers for the food distribution and the rescue work,” he said in a Facebook post.

“We also need more 4WD vehicles and boats to reach the victims. Anyone interested in volunteering or lending/renting your vehicles and boats, please contact Puspa (0126066114),” he added.

In the 3.11am update, Santiago said more sponsorship is needed urgently for relief items at the evacuation centres.

Among the items needed are mineral water, dry food, masks, hand sanitisers, adult-sized and baby-sized clothes, diapers, sanitary towels and blankets. 

Santiago added that his office has prepared 3,000 food packets, which were distributed to residents in nine areas such as Bayu Perdana, Melawis, Taman Setia, Palm Groove, Telok Gong, Klang Utama, Pandamaran, Pelabuhan Klang and Taman Sentosa.  

“Our team will continue to mobilise and maximise the resources and manpower we have for tomorrow’s food distribution. We want to reach out to more people, as much as possible,” he said.

Public postings on social media showed flooded roads and settlements in Selangor, including in Shah Alam and Port Klang, with cries for help by those trapped by flood waters.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari sought help from the federal government to tackle the unusual flood situation and extend aid to victims in the state, the worst-hit this time around.

“Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob only responded to the public outcry at 11pm, and promised to mobilise the civil defence force, police, Fire and Rescue Department, Health Ministry, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the armed forces, People’s Volunteer Corps and the Social Welfare Department to help the victims,” he added.

He urged those yet to be rescued to call the emergency hotline. 

Those in need of assistance can contact the National Disaster Command Centre’s hotline at 03-80642400. 

Ismail said last night that more than 11,000 people have been displaced in what is ranked among the worst floods in history.

Residents in the affected areas are not expected to get any respite over the next 24 hours.

The Meteorological Department today warned that extreme continuous heavy rain is expected in the capital, Perak, Pahang and Selangor. – December 19, 2021.