Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is keeping close watch on the deepening flood emergency in Malaysia even as he concludes his multi-country tour across the African continent. Updates from agencies on the ground indicate that more than 15,000 residents across seven states have been forced to leave their homes as water levels continue to rise.
While abroad, Anwar has been receiving continuous situation reports and has stressed that the national disaster response system is operating at full capacity. The National Disaster Management Agency has activated the necessary teams, supported by various departments with machinery and logistics to reach flooded areas swiftly.
The government has also sent the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to Kelantan—currently the hardest-hit state—with readiness to deploy to other locations if conditions worsen. Nearly 100 temporary evacuation centres have opened to accommodate affected families, supported by the Skuad Ihsan Madani, which has been assigned to manage welfare operations and basic needs at the shelters.
Anwar urged communities in flood-prone areas to remain attentive to evacuation notices, stressing that timely relocation could prevent loss of life. He also expressed hope that families enduring the crisis would remain strong as rescue and aid operations continue.
The prime minister’s attention to the situation comes as he wraps up a landmark visit to Africa, culminating in Nairobi. His departure from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport marked the end of a tour aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s engagement with the continent.
The visit began in Ethiopia on 18 November—the first by a Malaysian prime minister—symbolising a renewed commitment to African partnerships following last year’s Malaysian-Ethiopian diplomatic engagements. Anwar later attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg before moving on to Kenya for bilateral talks.
During the Kenya leg, Malaysia and Kenya agreed to elevate their six-decade relationship to a strategic partnership. Both sides committed to easing tariff barriers, boosting trade and expanding cooperation in digital technologies and high-tech manufacturing. Kenya’s key exports to Malaysia include agricultural goods and minerals, while Malaysia exports edible oils, chemicals, electronics and rubber products.
Anwar also took time to meet Malaysians living in Kenya, many of whom are alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. He described the community as reflective of Malaysia’s spirit—adapting to life abroad while carrying with them the values and goodwill associated with their homeland.
Malaysia–Kenya trade rose to RM5.7 billion in 2024, reinforcing Kenya’s position as Malaysia’s third-largest African trading partner.
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