SHAH ALAM: The number of flood victims at temporary relief centres is expected to decrease next week following the forecast of reduced rainfall by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was despite the concerning floods nationwide, particularly in Kelantan and Terengganu, which were worse than the 2014 floods.
"Hopefully, what has been forecasted by METMalaysia, where the continuous rainfall will drop by next week, will come true, as this will allow the floods to recede.
"We are confident that when there is a reduction in rainfall, it will reduce the need for evacuations to relief centres" he told a press conference after the Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) Convention today.
Among the BN leaders present secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Selangor BN chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Zahid, who is also the chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, said there was no need to declare a state of emergency for the floods in Kelantan and Terengganu.
He added that floods in the two states were expected to subside before the situation in Pahang and Johor.
"I have observed developments in southern Thailand and the decision to declare a state of emergency is up to their government.
"However, I do not believe it is necessary for Kelantan and Terengganu, especially as the flood will recede and move towards Pahang and Johor.
"We also have well-organised measures in place through the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), along with enforcement and other relevant agencies, to address the issues faced by victims," he said.
At the same time, Zahid added that although the government had mobilised more than 82,000 personnel nationwide and relief centres were ready to accommodate up to 2.1 million victims, those living in flood-risk areas must follow the instructions of their district and state disaster management committees to evacuate early.
"We must do everything we can to prevent further loss of life, which is why adherence to preparedness plans and early warnings is essential," he said.
The floods in several states had worsened, with Pahang becoming the latest to be affected.
The number of evacuees nationwide had risen to 152,377 this morning, up from 146,611 last night.
In Kelantan, the number of evacuees in 284 relief centres had reached 96,743 people from 29,928 families, up from 93,158 last night.
In Terengganu, the number of flood evacuees continued to rise to 43,281 this morning, compared with 41,409 last night.