Armed forces to help in flood relief efforts, says Zahid

 

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said help would be given to all flood victims regardless of their political leanings. (Bernama pic)

JERTIH: The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will be asked to mobilise its assets to assist states in the east coast that are affected by floods, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid said mobilising assets of ATM would help to overcome difficulties and delays faced by the relevant authorities to supply aid to flood relief centres (PPS).

“A number of PPS are facing a shortage of supply due to lack of assets or those involving logistics. ATM has assets that can be mobilised but such assets are in the Klang Valley while the states affected are Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang in the east coast,” he told reporters after visiting the PPS at SK Kuala Besut, near here, today.

The deputy prime minister said he would be seeking assistance from defence minister Mohamad Hasan and the ATM chief to mobilise assets to the affected states.

Yesterday, Terengganu police chief Rohaimi Md Isa said that a lack of assets, such as heavy equipment, was among the reasons for the delay in the distribution of aid.

Zahid, who is also the chairman of the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), said it would expedite assistance after inspecting the damage caused by the floods and needs of the victims.

“Since roads and bridges have been damaged and connection to most areas have been cut off, I am confident ATM can assist in terms of infrastructure while the committee will coordinate assistance from Nadma,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zahid said the unity government was very concerned over the flood situation and would provide assistance to all regardless of their political ideology.

“Our main concern and priority is to help the flood victims. There will be no colour or creed in these trying times,” he said. - FMT