We will do everything to help flood victims, says Najib

The body of a man who died from drowning in flood waters being carried by rescue personnel in Kuala Terengganu. – Bomba Twitter pic, December 25, 2014.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, facing heavy criticism over the timing of his holiday abroad amid the worst floods in the country, said he had been in touch with his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and has asked him to step up assistance to flood victims.

"I have been informed that among the main reasons complicating evacuation of victims and delivery of food supplies to some areas is that water level is too high, water currents which are dangerous for vehicles and rescue boats as well as relief centres which have been submerged with water," he said in a statement posted on his blog najibrazak.com.

Najib said efforts are being doubled to ensure food aid reach the flood victims, now numbering over 90,000, according to reports.

"Whatever it is, the government will ensure that everything is done to help victims of the worst floods this year," he added.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak walks alongside US president Barack Obama at the Clipper Golf course on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, during Obama's Christmas holiday vacation. – Reuters pic, December 25, 2014.Najib's comments came as his Facebook page was inundated with messages flaying after news emerged that he was playing golf with US president Barack Obama in Hawaii.

Thousands of posts from Facebook users urged him not be an absentee prime minister at a time when more than 90,000 people were forced to flee their homes due to the floods.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, however, said he was in control of the situation and has briefed Najib on the relief efforts.

Meanwhile, Najib said he had been informed that efforts to deliver aid using helicopters were also made difficult by the bad weather.

Najib also expressed confidence with the rescue teams comprising and volunteers involved in the evacuation and relief efforts.

More than 90,000 victims are reported to be staying at temporary evacuation centres in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, as well as in Kedah.

- TMI