KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed gratitude towards all parties and agencies involved in preparing for the Northeast Monsoon, which brings floods, commending the improved management and coordination observed this year.
Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has been directed to streamline the coordination of federal and state machinery and agencies.
This is to ensure the safety and welfare of flood victims, he said.
Anwar stressed that the impacted residents remain a top priority during the monsoon season, which is expected to last until March next year.
"I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Nadma, along with all the machinery, including state governments, for their cooperation and better preparations this year," he said prior to answering questions during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 28).
As of 9.32am on the same day, the number of flood victims had increased to 37,189 people from 11,385 families across six states - Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Johor.
So far, 322 temporary evacuation centres have been opened in the affected states. The highest number of flood victims is recorded in Kelantan, with 30,582 people (9,223 families), and 157 evacuation centres have been opened across nine districts in the state. - Bernama
