Malaysia prepares over 4,000 relief centres ahead of floods
Pastor Dale Morgan
Malaysia prepares over 4,000 relief centres ahead of floods*
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (AFP) Nov 25, 2006
Malaysia will set up over 4,000 disaster relief centres nationwide to
house some one million evacuees ahead of the anticipated year-end flood
season, deputy premier Najib Razak said Friday.
"We have made all the necessary arrangements in preparation for the
flood season at the end of the year," Najib told reporters after meeting
with the government's disaster management and relief committee.
"We have reminded all related agenices and departments that all rescue
and relief operations carried out have to be prompt and reach the target
group which is the flood victims," he said.
He also called on those living in flood-prone areas, traditionally on
Malaysia's east coast at the end of the year, to evacuate on the order
of authorities.
Najib said there were indications of a higher than average rainfall in
peninsular Malaysia in coming weeks.
In mid-October, a heavier-than-usual rainy season inundated the northern
states of Perlis, Kedah and the tourist island of Penang, prompting the
evacuation of hundreds of people and disrupting celebrations for the
Muslim Eid al-Fitr festival.
Malaysia has so far this year distributed up to 80.5 million ringgit
(22.14 million dollars) in financial assistance to victims of natural
disasters, Najib said.