TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Social Welfare Department (JKM) has stepped up its preparations for potential floods, as the northeast monsoon is expected to arrive earlier this year.
Its director, Mazura Ngah Abdul Manan, explained that 4.4 tonnes of food supplies and essential items were delivered on Thursday (Oct 17) to approximately 300 families in Pulau Redang, Kuala Nerus.
"Typically, we send food supplies to forward bases on islands like Pulau Redang at the end of October. However, with the monsoon anticipated sooner, we are delivering today.
"We will also be sending supplies to the residents of Pulau Perhentian in Besut shortly,” she informed reporters at the Disaster Relief Supplies Delivery Programme to Pulau Redang at the Marine Department jetty here on Thursday.
She added that the supplies, which include rice, cooking oil, flour and infant formula, were expected to last for three months.
"In the event of supply shortages, we will coordinate early with various parties. For instance, if the situation deteriorates, we may need to involve other agencies, including air transport services,” she stated.
Mazura remarked that JKM would ensure adequate stockpiles of food and essentials at the Main Storage Depot in Pulau Kerengga, Marang, along with 10 mini depots and 155 forward bases across the state, in preparation for flood-related emergencies. – Bernama
