Malaysia: floods worsen in Johor, Selangor, Perak and Malacca

Floods in four states force evacuation of 2,968
SK Thanusha Devi and Rahmat Khairulrijal New Straits Times 5 Nov 12;

KUALA LUMPUR: Flood situation in four states worsened with the number of evacuees increasing rapidly from 1,908 this morning to 2,968 as at 5pm today.

Heavy rain in Johor, Selangor, Perak and Malacca has forced authorities to set up 31 evacuation centres.

Johor has 1,497 evacuees in 18 centres in the state, with Batu Pahat the worst hit district with 1,344 victims.

Selangor recorded 1,119 victims, relocated at seven centres while Perak has 250 people evacuated to three centres.

Malacca which was also hit by floods with 104 victims has set up three centres.

The Meteorological Department said the wet season which was said to be worse than the previous one is expected to last until early March.

Malaysian Armed Forces Mobilised For Flood Relief
Bernama 5 Nov 12;

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces is on standby to mobilise its personnel to areas affected by floods, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"The brigades and battalions in Johor are prepared. But we have not received a request from the Johor government yet," he said during a press conference at Parliament Monday.

He was commenting on the National Safety Council portal update which stated that 1,284 flood victims had been evacuated to flood relief centres in Batu Pahat and Kluang as of 3 pm today.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecasted an unpredictable rain phenomenon due to constant changes in wind directions, for the whole of November nationwide.

The Armed Forces was also coordinating with the Social Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Department, district offices and other relevant agencies, he added.

-- BERNAMA