KUALA LUMPUR: The nationwide flood situation is beginning to show signs of recovery, with the number of evacuees at temporary relief centres (PPS) seeing a downward trend, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Commi ee chairman, said as of 1pm yesterday, the number of operating PPS has decreased by 13.69 per cent to 561 centres, while the number of affected families has dropped by 8.7 per cent to 37,759.

He said Kelantan and Terengganu, the two states most severely affected, have also recorded similar trends.

“In Kelantan, the number of operational PPS has decreased by 11.07 per cent to 217 centres, while the number of affected families has reduced by 9.57 per cent to 24,238.

“The situation in Terengganu is also improving, with the number of PPS dropping by 16.25 per cent to 237 centres and the number of affected families reducing by 6.14 per cent to 9,990,” he said in a social media post.

At the same time, Ahmad Zahid reminded the public that while this situation offers some relief, those affected must remain vigilant and prioritise safety.

“Do not play in or expose yourself to floodwaters, even though the water level is receding. Floodwaters are o en contaminated and can pose health risks such as skin infections, waterborne diseases, or bites from dangerous animals,” he said.

He also advised affected individuals to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, especially upon returning home from PPS, and to adhere to the authorities’ instructions.

He urged those still at PPS to remain patient and cooperate fully with rescue teams and relief workers while praying for the situation to improve further.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has allocated additional funds for post-flood follow-up measures, which are expected to begin in the middle of this month.

“This (follow-up action) is something that we should be prepared for. If the water is receding, there is a responsibility to restore the situation. That’s why we also provide additional allocations to repair schools, relief centres, toilet-cleaning facilities and so on,” he said.

He said this at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly yesterday, a ended by Ahmad Zahid, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

In describing the preparations to deal with the flood by all parties, including the federal and state governments, as exceptional, Anwar said the post-flood followup actions also need to cover all affected areas throughout the country.