THE armed forces will be asked to mobilise its assets to assist east coast states affected by floods, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Zahid said mobilising its assets will help overcome difficulties and delays faced by the relevant authorities to supply aid to flood relief centres.

“Several centres are facing a shortage of supply due to lack of assets or those involving logistics. The armed forces has assets that can be mobilised but such assets are in the Klang Valley while the states affected are Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang,” he told reporters after visiting a shelter at SK Kuala Besut, near Jerteh, today.

The deputy prime minister said he will be seeking assistance from Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan and the armed forces chief to deploy assets to the affected states.

Yesterday, Terengganu police chief Rohaimi Md Isa had said a lack of assets like heavy equipment was among reasons for a delay in aid reaching states affected by floods.

Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), said the agency will expedite assistance after inspecting the damage and needs as well as infrastructure that has been damaged by the floods.

“Since roads and bridges have been damaged and connection to most areas cut, I am confident the armed forces can assist with infrastructure while the committee will coordinate assistance from Nadma,” he said. – Bernama, December 20, 2022.