Putrajaya admits weaknesses in assisting flood victims

The flood situation in Kota Baru, Kelantan, yesterday. The number of evacuees in the state dropped slightly to 32,139 from 34,955 last night after the flood situation improved in six districts. – Pic courtesy of Fire and Rescue Department, December 26, 2014.

Datuk Seri Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed today admitted there were weaknesses in managing the assistance and rescue of flood victims in Kelantan.

Astro Awani reported the international trade and industry minister as saying that although preparations on paper were smooth, the reality was different.

Mustapa said the floods which hit Kelantan had resulted in certain obstacles and problems cropping up which could not be resolved.

He said the authorities would study the issue in order to resolve whatever glitches which may have cropped up.

"In coordinating a natural disaster of this magnitude, quick and precise instructions have to be issued by an experienced leader.

"We must have a commander who is capable of handling several departments simultaneously," Mustapa told reporters in Kuala Krai.

Mustapa, who is also Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee chairman, said this year's floods were extraordinary compared with previous years and it was inevitable that weaknesses would arise in the coordination of assistance.

"Various security agencies have been mobilised to deploy all available assistance, including logistics."

The number of evacuees in the state dropped slightly to 32,139 from 34,955 last night after the flood situation improved in six districts.

Yesterday, deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said they could not predict everything, hence the complaints that the government was unprepared to deal with the disaster.

"There are certain factors beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions which have been hampering our operations," he said.

Muhyiddin said he had received a detailed briefing from the National Security Council on Wednesday.

"I have instructed the NSC to do everything that needs to be done in order to save and evacuate the flood victims in affected areas."

Muhyiddin said if necessary, the government was prepared to spend money and hire additional equipment and assets from the private sector to facilitate operations.

"I will have a meeting with the NSC on Saturday and I have told the secretariat to inform me if there is any additional asset or equipment which is lacking.

"Saving lives is our top priority, even if it means the government's expenditure will increase slightly," he said.

- TMI