KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (NNN-BERNAMA) – Thousands of people were evacuated, as continuous heavy rain caused severe floodings in several parts of Malaysia, Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, late yesterday.
Some 11,384 people from six states have been evacuated to shelters, he said, in a press briefing, adding that, additional evacuation centres were being prepared to hold a total of 1.6 million people as a precaution.
The prime minister also said, the government is taking necessary steps to mobilise rescue personnel, members of the armed forces, and the national disaster management agency, to help with evacuations and maintain order.
“I am continually monitoring the situation and will update the public on the steps and actions taken. Information is being gathered to ensure that evacuations and assistance are quickly organised,” he said.
Malaysia has seen heavy rain since Thursday, with the meteorological department warning of dangerous water levels in the states of Pahang and Selangor, as well as, the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.– NNN-BERNAMA