SHAH ALAM:This year’s floods appear to be far more serious compared to the one in 2014, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
However, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast that there will be a reduction in rainfall by next week.
“Hopefully, the rainfall will reduce next week and there is a drop in flood levels,” he told a press conference after launching the Selangor Barisan Nasional Convention 2024 here on Monday. (Dec 2).
He said there was a concern that the high tide phenomenon in both the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, which would be at its peak at this time, may cause the floods to worsen.
Ahmad Zahid, who is National Disaster Management Committee (Nadma) chairman, also reminded relevant organisations such as the Social Welfare Department, to be prepared to handle the post-flood phase.
He added about 82,000 personnel have been sent to the flood evacuation centres nationwide. The centres can shelter up to 2.1 million flood victims.
Ahmad Zahid reminded those living in flood-prone areas to adhere to the advice given by their respective state disaster management committees if they are told to evacuate their houses.
“We don’t want the death toll to increase, as such, residents must follow warnings from the authorities to avoid the loss of lives,” he added.
On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno president, said party members who are sacked or suspended can rejoin if they show strong commitment to the party.
He added Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman is a good example of this, as the former Pasir Salak MP has been persistent in returning to Umno.
“He had sent four appeal letters. He had campaigned for Umno at the Nenggiri and Mahkota by-elections and attended the general assembly.
“If other suspended members do the same as Datuk Seri Tajuddin and have the same level of commitment, I don’t see why the supreme council members cannot make the same decision,” he added.
The supreme council reinstated Tajuddin into the party recently. He was suspended for six years in 2022 for criticising Ahmad Zahid’s leadership.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki had announced the revocation of Tajuddin’s suspension last week.
Ahmad Zahid also disclosed that there were attempts to bring Barisan Nasional out of the unity government and that the invite did not only come from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim
Shahidan, the former Perlis mentri besar in the Barisan government,
had earlier invited the coalition to join the opposition to form a new federal government.
Ahmad Zahid said the matter has been conveyed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Earlier in his speech at the convention, Ahmad Zahid said Barisan needs to work hard to recapture the people’s support.
He also urged Barisan component party members not to use lack of funds as an excuse to not work and prepare for the next general election.
“We were very affluent during the 14th General Election. Did it help us form the government?
“Money isn’t everything even though it is needed for everything. Don’t use money as an excuse not to work,” he added.
Other leaders who attended the convention were Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Selangor Mentri Besar and state Pakatan Harapan chief Datuk Amirudin Shari and Selangor Umno and Barisan chief Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin.
