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.

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed admiration for the resilience of flood victims and the tireless commitment of frontline workers.

“I am deeply moved. While the comfort of shelters is limited, I am grateful and proud of the services provided,” he said in describing victims as people with extraordinary qualities in facing disasters.

Anwar said he was deeply moved when he visited victims at temporary flood relief centres in Terengganu.

“Yesterday, I was with Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Nadma (National Disaster Management Agency) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, where we observed the preparations at the relief centre.

“We inquired about the quality of food, and although the comfort of the facilities were limited, the treatment, medical care and overall relief operations were running smoothly.

“(It shows) how truly extraordinary our people are. The flood victims can calmly say the water is up to their waist and that they will go home once it recedes.

“The relief workers did not even complain about feeling exhausted or lacking sleep, they just remained excited to help.”

Anwar was speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly. Present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Shamsul Azri.

Anwar also praised the coordinated efforts of governmentlinked companies and banks in responding to the floods.

“It would be ideal in the current situation to offer not just funds but also equipment. Let every private company from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang come down to the field,” he added.

Anwar said the government had also allocated additional funds to repair facilities.

On another matter, he called on civil servants to meet public expectations with improved performance following the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System, which takes effect this month.

“As I have urged, this is a recognition we believe is just,” he said.

Anwar, however, reminded staff members of the heightened expectations that came with the revised remuneration.

INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain wants those affected by floods to heed orders to evacuate if they are told to do so. “These orders are not made lightly and have taken into consideration the safety of all victims, as well as government agencies involved in flood operations.

“Those given the orders to evacuate must comply immediately and move to designated flood relief centres,” he told the New Straits Times.

Razarudin’s advice came on the heels of several floodrelated deaths, including that of a yearold toddler in Kelantan.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat had said the child’s family had been instructed to evacuate but they refused to do so.

He said some victims were too stubborn to evacuate as they did not want to leave their belongings and homes unattended.

Razarudin gave his assurance that policemen would continue to carry out their core duties in maintaining public order and safety in flood-affected areas.

This, he said, included ensuring the safety of houses and properties in inundated areas.

He assured those displaced by floods that police would patrol their housing area and watch out for the safety of their houses.

“We have designated over 17,000 personnel and officers for operations during this northeast monsoon.

“As for assets, 570 boats, 460 lorries, 905 four-wheel-drive vehicles and 317 vans will be used for these operations as and when necessary.

“We also have 17 jet skis and eight aircraft at the ready as well,” he said, adding that more than 7,600 life jackets had also been prepared for use.

Razarudin said police units designated for aid response had been divided based on zones.

“The General Operations Force Northern Brigade will cover Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis while the (GOF) Central Brigade, Federal Reserve Unit, Marine Police Region 2 and Air Wing will cover Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.

“The (GOF) Southeast Brigade, Marine Police Region 3 and Sixth Unit of the FRU will cover Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan,” he said.

He added that the GOF Sabah Brigade, Sabah Air Wing Unit and Marine Police Region 4 would cover Sabah, whereas the Sarawak Brigade, Marine Police Region 5 and Sarawak Air Wing

Unit would cover Sarawak.

Razarudin advised the public to always heed the warnings and instructions of authorities stationed at these areas.

“Do not treat these flooded areas as places for fun and games. Parents must monitor their children closely and not allow them to swim or play in floodwaters.

“Motorists should also avoid driving through these flooded areas as the strong currents could sweep vehicles away, and the actual condition of the roads are not clearly visible,” he said

Page 1 pic: An aerial view of several inundated villages along a river in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. The flood situation has improved in the state with lower rainfall and reduction in the number of flood victims sheltering at relief centres.

Pasir Mas: Kementerian Pendidikan (KPM) mempertimbang cadangan supaya peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) dilakukan di luar musim tengkujuh.

Menteri Pendidikan, Fadhlina Sidek, berkata perkara itu akan diperhalusi dari semasa ke semasa. “Kita akan pertimbang cadangan ini kerana ini antara cadangan yang kita turut terima. Barangkali kita boleh lihat kerana ketika ini jadual SPM pada hujung tahun dan berdepan banjir.

“Perkara itu kita ambil kira dan kita akan perhalusi dari semasa ke semasa kerana ia melihatkan aspek prihatin daripada masyarakat,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang media selepas melawat Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) Pasir Mas, di sini semalam.

Media sebelum ini melaporkan, seramai 5,377 calon SPM dikenal pasti terjejas akibat banjir di tiga negeri iaitu di Kelantan, Kedah dan Terengganu.

Peperiksaan berjalan lancar

Seramai 402,956 calon Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) memulakan sesi peperiksaan bertulis bermula semalam hingga 6 Februari 2025.

KPM dalam kenyataan sebelum ini berkata, calon akan memulakan peperiksaan dengan Ujian Bertutur Bahasa Melayu yang dijadualkan berlangsung semalam hingga Khamis ini, diikuti Ujian Amali Sains pada 9 hingga 12 Disember, manakala Ujian Bertutur Bahasa Inggeris pada 16 hingga 19 Disember.

Sementara itu, peperiksaan Sijil 2024 yang bermula semalam berjalan lancar di seluruh negara termasuk di beberapa negeri terjejas banjir.

Fadhlina berkata, beliau berpuas hati dengan persiapan yang dilakukan walaupun ada beberapa negeri terjejas banjir.

“Beri ruang kepada mereka semua menduduki SPM, terutama mereka yang terjejas banjir,” katanya.

Sementara itu di Johor Bahru, seramai 16 calon SPM yang terjejas banjir di Johor ketika ini menduduki peperiksaan itu seperti dijadualkan.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pendidikan dan Penerangan Negeri Johor Aznan Tamin berkata, 16 calon SPM menduduki peperiksaan itu di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Buloh Kasap, Segamat.

Katanya, kerajaan negeri menyediakan rancangan alternatif bagi memastikan mereka terus menduduki peperiksaan itu.