Doing the groundwork: Ahmad Zahid (second from left) listening to a briefing by an Irrigation and Drainage Department staff member at the Tambatan D’Raja Observation Tower. — Bernama
KOTA BARU: Security in Kelantan is not compromised even though nine police stations in Pasir Mas and Tumpat were heavily affected by floods, says Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said all the affected police officers and personnel at the stations have also been temporarily relocated to areas where their services are needed.
“The roles of the affected personnel will be replaced with the deployment of the General Operations Force and military personnel in the state.
“Security remains uncompromised,” he told reporters after visiting flood evacuees at SK Tapang flood relief centre (PPS) here yesterday.
“We have also mobilised assets including military trucks with unladen weights of three tonnes and five tonnes. We are currently organising moving larger trucks with a seven-tonne capacity.
“We have also mobilised assets operated by the police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force. Even the fishermen’s association has offered to deploy fishing boats in the interior,” he added, Bernama reported.
Ahmad Zahid said discussions were held with Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz to coordinate assets and assistance, including by volunteers, for victims in Rantau Panjang, which was severely hit by floods.
“The district with the most victims so far is Pasir Mas, where Rantau Panjang is located, followed by Tumpat and Kota Baru.
“My advice for the victims, apart from being patient, is that we pray to Allah to ease everything for us. InsyaAllah, assistance will still reach even the most remote areas,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also visited 333 flood victims housed at another PPS in SK Sering near here.
Meanwhile, flood victim Che Meshah Isa, 68, expressed her gratitude and happiness after meeting Ahmad Zahid.
“The DPM stopped by my tent and asked about my health and the meals we have here.
“Usually I just see him on TV. I can’t believe I met him and talked to him in person today,” she said.
