TERENGGANU state secretary Tengku Farok Hussin Tengku Abdul Jalil have instructed all local authorities in the state to prepare for post-third-wave flood cleaning works following the current flood situation in eight districts is gradually improving, with the number of evacuees in temporary evacuation centres showing a decreasing trend.

Tengku Farok, who is also state disaster management committee chairman, said that all evacuees are expected to return home in stages, and the shelters could be fully closed within a week.

“At present, the trend (number of victims) is decreasing in all districts. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), rain is expected to end today but is forecast to continue for another day (tomorrow).

“After the floods, we know there will be a lot of debris. So, all local authorities are instructed to be prepared. At the management level, we will organise teams for cleaning works, especially in government premises such as schools, offices, and so on,” he said during a visit to the state disaster operations room in Kuala Terengganu today.

Meanwhile, Tengku Farok also denied allegations that the release of water from the Kenyir Lake dam was the cause of the flood in Kelantan, as claimed by some parties.

According to him, even though there was a release of water from the dam due to the significant flood, it would not affect other states because its channel only involves a river in Terengganu.

“Accusing Kenyir Lake as the cause of floods elsewhere is a false accusation and a misconception because Kenyir only channels water through the Sungai Terengganu.

“So far, there are no problems in Kenyir Lake. If there is a significant flood and a lot of water is released, it will only affect Terengganu,“ he said. – Bernama, December 27, 2023