Malaysia: Harm to environs caused recent floods - NGO

The Star 18 Jan 15;

KUALA LUMPUR: Widespread environmental pollution has again been blamed for the murky waters during the recent east coast floods.

Kelantan Children’s Organ-isation president Datuk Noordin Abdul Razak, who lived through “equally bad” floods in 1967, claimed the recent flood waters were murkier.

“It is caused by the greed of humans who take the environment for granted.

“Pollution has become worse now that the population has increased,” he told a press conference yesterday.

The organisation, comprising Kelantanese living outside their home state, has launched a disaster fund campaign along with the Kelantan Al-Muhammadi Royalty Association to help in the rehabilitation of flood victims in the state.

Noordin said his organisation would work with the state flood committee to assess areas which needed help.

Noordin said those who want to contribute to the disaster fund can send their money to Maybank account number: 5640-7060-9764.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government has offered additional emergency assistance worth 19mil yen (RM500,000) to ease the hardship of the flood victims.

A statement by the Japanese embassy here said Japan is offering tents, blankets and other humanitarian aid in response to the request of assistance from the Malaysian Government.

This is the second time Japan is giving emergency relief items to Malaysia.

On Jan 1, the Japanese government provided over 19mil yen (RM500,000) relief aid in the form of generators, water purifiers and other humanitarian goods to the flood victims.

Eight states were hit by massive floods last month, with Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang among the worst hit states.

More than 200,000 people were evacuated at the height of the disaster.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had earlier thanked the international community for their assistance in flood relief efforts.

Leptospirosis cases tripled in Kelantan: Health Ministry
New Straits Times 16 Jan 15;

BALIK PULAU: The number of leptospirosis cases has tripled in Kelantan following massive floods last month, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.

He said between 20 to 25 leptospirosis cases were recorded in Kelantan before the floods, but the number of cases went up to 94 after floods hit the state.

“Until this month, 94 leptospirosis cases were reported which is worrying as the disease is dangerous.

“Therefore, the ministry advises the public, especially residents of Kelantan and volunteers, to be more careful and to avoid using water from unclean sources,” he told reporters after a schooling aid presentation ceremony at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Balik Pulau, here today.

He said symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, shaking chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry cough and muscle pain.--BERNAMA