Terengganu MB apologises over absence during critical phases of floods

 

Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has apologised for not being "present" during the critical phases of the massive floods that have struck the state.

In a press conference this evening, the PAS lawmaker acknowledged that no excuses can justify his absence, nor fix the current situation.

"I understand that whatever I say now, they will not mean anything.

"However, I just want to put it on record that I was monitoring the flood situation, and I decided to travel overseas when they were signs of the floods receding," he said, adding that the situation only peaked days later when he was already away.

Samsuri (above) was speaking at a press conference in Kemaman earlier today, his first appearance in the inundated state after his arrival from New Zealand.

He acknowledged that he was not present during the critical phases of the flood situation, between Dec 8 and 12.

"However, I did visit flood victims during the first phase (on Dec 9 and 10)."

Earlier this week, Samsuri had come under fire for his trip to Auckland with his family, when his state was underwater.

Floods in Terengganu

'I kept updated even during absence'

Samsuri explained that his administration started preparing for the floods months prior to the deluge.

"They include monitoring the river levels, gauging the assets available, and logistic issues concerned.

"Even during my absence between Dec 18 and 21, I was communicating with the relevant agencies for updates. Matters that did not require by authority as the menteri besar were handled by the heads of the respective agencies," he added.

Earlier, Samsuri admitted that there were shortcomings in flood management due to the "extreme" flood situation this time around.

These include delays in the victims receiving food packs and issues concerning relocating between flood relief centres.

"For this, I would like to apologise to my people. We promise to fix the situation in the near future," he added.

Samsuri then announced an incentive of RM1,000 cash aid to heads of households who are registered as victims of the flood and RM10,000 for those who lost their loved ones to the floods.

Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam on Wednesday highlighted Samsuri's trip to Auckland, New Zealand with his wife. The trip was scheduled from Dec 11 to 22.

Following the revelation, State Welfare, Women Development, Family, and National Unity Committee chairperson Hanafiah Mat said that the flood management in the state was not affected by Samsuri's absence.

As of this evening, more than 21,800 flood victims have been placed at 132 flood relief centres across Terengganu. - Mkini