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Temporary shelters have been opened in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Johor and Perak.

Over 37,000 people in six Malaysian states hit by flooding

The northeastern state of Kelantan has been the worst hit. (Photo: Facebook/Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara, Jabatan Perdana Menteri)

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 37,000 people have been affected by flooding caused by torrential rain in six Malaysian states this week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday (Nov 28).

Anwar told parliament that 322 temporary shelters had been opened in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Johor and Perak to house those displaced by floods.

The northeastern state of Kelantan, bordering Thailand, has been the worst hit, with 30,582 people from 9,223 families affected, Anwar said.

Floods are common on the eastern coast of Malaysia during the annual monsoon season from October until March, with thousands of people displaced each year.

Kelantan residents being evacuated by Malaysian government personnel. (Photo: Facebook/Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara, Jabatan Perdana Menteri)
More than 37,000 people have been affected by flooding caused by torrential rain in six Malaysian states, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. (Photo: Facebook/Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara, Jabatan Perdana Menteri)

A Facebook post on Thursday by the country’s National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) showed personnel engaging in rescue efforts for affected residents in Kelantan.

Rescue workers waded through knee-high waters and evacuated people by boat. 

The Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a red alert warning for continuous heavy rain – indicating dangerous levels of downpour – in Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu states. It expects the rain to last until Friday.

The National Disaster Management Agency has been directed to mobilise all federal and state agencies to ensure the safety of flood victims and residents throughout the monsoon period, Anwar said.