All set to help Baling flood victims clean up

Help is on the way: Mohammad Hamdan (centre) looking at the new utility vehicles handed over to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department. With him are the state department’s director Datuk Khirudin Drahman (left) and deputy director Tiong Ling Hii.

KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department is on hand to assist the Baling flood victims with clean-up operations, says its director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.He said the Kedah chapter of the department, with assistance from its Penang and Perlis counterparts, had been providing post-flood services since the water level began receding.

“This includes cleaning up mud and debris, but it will take time. A lot of NGOs, corporate bodies and government agencies are also helping,” he told reporters after handing over 10 utility vehicles to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department here yesterday.

Mohammad Hamdan said their department in Kedah was ready to assist the victims at any time, but this depended on logistics and personnel.

“At the same time, we are catering to other emergency calls. But we will rotate teams to respond to calls and give assistance to flood victims.

“In particular, we will help to clean up homes which are still covered in mud, as well as schools and community centres.

“If needed, we will step up our assistance with water tankers and pumps,” he said.

He added that the department would also help to provide food and daily necessities in collaboration with corporate bodies.

Floods and a water surge hit several villages in Baling on Monday, claiming three lives and forcing the evacuation of more than 1,400 residents.