Floods Displace Thousands in Malaysia & Relief Centers Still Busy

6 Jan 2024 • 7:30 PM MYT
[X] Zulaikha Farhana
[X] Zulaikha Farhana

A versatile freelancer, blogger, and content writer

image is not available
Image credit: malaymail

As Malaysia grapples with severe flooding, the number of evacuees in relief centers has seen only a slight dip. According to the latest report from the National Disaster Management Agency's National Disaster Command Centre, 23,008 people were housed in 103 relief centers across four states, just three fewer than the previous count of 23,011.

Kelantan remains the worst-hit state, with 19,716 evacuees spread across 53 centers in four districts. The district of Pasir Mas has the highest number of evacuees, with 15,586 people from 5,102 families seeking shelter in 30 relief centers. Kuala Krai has 11 centers housing 734 people from 206 families, Tumpat has 10 centers sheltering 3,231 people from 1,147 families, and Tanah Merah has two centers accommodating 165 people from 41 families.

In Terengganu, the number of evacuees dropped slightly to 3,022 in 37 relief centers, down from 3,025 at midnight. These centers are located in Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, and Setiu.

Johor and Pahang, meanwhile, saw no change in their evacuee counts. Johor has 63 evacuees from 16 families in three relief centers in Segamat, while Pahang has 207 evacuees from 60 families in 10 relief centers spread across Bera, Jerantut, Kuantan, Maran, Rompin, and Temerloh. Additionally, a relief center in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, housing 87 people from 17 families displaced by a landslide, remains operational.

The report also highlighted the critical levels of several rivers. In Kelantan, Sungai Golok Pasir Mas, Sungai Kelantan Gua Musang, and Sungai Kelantan Kota Bharu are at dangerous levels. In Terengganu, Sungai Terengganu Setiu is also at a dangerous level as of 6 am.

The situation remains precarious, with authorities and relief workers continuing their efforts to assist those affected by the floods.

The situation in Malaysia remains precarious as authorities and relief workers continue their efforts to assist those affected by the floods. The National Disaster Management Agency's National Disaster Command Centre reported that the number of flood victims in the country has seen only a slight reduction. Despite this, the relief centers are working tirelessly to provide shelter and support to those in need.

In Kelantan, which has been the hardest hit by the floods, 19,716 evacuees are currently being housed in 53 relief centers across four districts. The district of Pasir Mas has the highest number of evacuees, with 15,586 people seeking shelter in 30 relief centers. Other affected districts in Kelantan include Kuala Krai, Tumpat, and Tanah Merah, where additional relief centers have been set up to accommodate the displaced population.

Terengganu has also been significantly affected, with 3,022 evacuees seeking shelter in 37 relief centers. While this number represents a slight decrease from the previous count, the situation in Terengganu remains challenging, especially in areas like Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, and Setiu.

In Johor and Pahang, the number of evacuees has remained stable, with 63 people from 16 families in three relief centers in Segamat, Johor, and 207 people from 60 families in 10 relief centers across Bera, Jerantut, Kuantan, Maran, Rompin, and Temerloh, Pahang. Additionally, a relief center in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, continues to provide shelter to 87 people from 17 families displaced by a landslide.

The report also highlighted the critical levels of several rivers in Kelantan and Terengganu, which continue to pose a threat to the affected areas. Sungai Golok Pasir Mas, Sungai Kelantan Gua Musang, and Sungai Kelantan Kota Bharu in Kelantan, as well as Sungai Terengganu Setiu in Terengganu, are currently at dangerous levels.

As the flood situation in Malaysia remains challenging, authorities and relief organizations are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected. The government has urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of authorities to ensure their safety.

The Malaysian government has been actively involved in coordinating relief efforts and providing assistance to those affected by the floods. Emergency response teams, including the military and various government agencies, have been deployed to assist in evacuation efforts, provide essential supplies such as food and clean water, and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.

In addition to immediate relief efforts, the government is also focusing on long-term recovery plans to help communities rebuild and recover from the devastating impact of the floods. This includes assessing the damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods, as well as providing support for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas.

The floods in Malaysia have highlighted the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, there is a renewed emphasis on strengthening early warning systems, improving infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, and enhancing community preparedness and response capabilities.

The resilience and spirit of solidarity displayed by the Malaysian people in times of crisis have been commendable. Communities have come together to support each other, and volunteers have been actively involved in relief efforts, demonstrating the strength of unity in the face of adversity.

As the nation works towards recovery, there is a collective determination to rebuild and emerge stronger from this challenging period. The government, together with the support of the people and various stakeholders, remains committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of all those affected by the floods and to building a more resilient and disaster-ready nation for the future.


Zulaikha Farhana is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.