Torrential rains have unleashed massive floods across Malaysia’s northern states, displacing more than 122,000 people, according to disaster officials on Saturday. The relentless downpour has brought widespread devastation, surpassing the 118,000 displaced during one of the country’s worst flood events in 2014. Officials warn the numbers could climb further as heavy rains continue unabated.
Kelantan state is the worst hit, accounting for 63% of the displaced population, with 77,000 evacuees reported. Nearly 35,000 have been evacuated in neighboring Terengganu, while smaller displacements were recorded across seven other states.
Residents in Kelantan’s Pasir Puteh town are grappling with hip-deep floodwaters. Zamrah Majid, a 59-year-old school janitor, shared her ordeal. “My area has been flooded since Wednesday. The water has already reached my house corridor and is just two inches away from coming inside,” she said. Fortunately, Majid managed to move her cars to higher ground before the water levels rose further. However, she expressed concern for her grandchildren. “They are playing in the water now, but if it gets higher, it could be dangerous,” she added.
Another resident, 27-year-old Muhammad Zulkarnain, described the isolation of his neighborhood. “There’s no way in or out for any vehicles to enter,” he said. While he acknowledged receiving basic supplies like biscuits and instant noodles from NGOs, many remain in need of assistance.
The floods have claimed four lives across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak. Officials have deployed thousands of emergency personnel, along with rescue boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters, to the affected areas.
Flooding is an annual phenomenon in Malaysia, driven by the northeast monsoon, which brings heavy rains from November to March. However, the scale of this year’s flooding underscores the growing urgency for comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, chair of the National Disaster Management Committee, assured the public of continued efforts. “We have mobilized all available resources to support flood-prone states and ensure the safety of residents,” he said.
As the rains persist, many are left bracing for further challenges, hopeful for more comprehensive relief in the coming days.
Kelantan state is the worst hit, accounting for 63% of the displaced population, with 77,000 evacuees reported. Nearly 35,000 have been evacuated in neighboring Terengganu, while smaller displacements were recorded across seven other states.
Residents in Kelantan’s Pasir Puteh town are grappling with hip-deep floodwaters. Zamrah Majid, a 59-year-old school janitor, shared her ordeal. “My area has been flooded since Wednesday. The water has already reached my house corridor and is just two inches away from coming inside,” she said. Fortunately, Majid managed to move her cars to higher ground before the water levels rose further. However, she expressed concern for her grandchildren. “They are playing in the water now, but if it gets higher, it could be dangerous,” she added.
Another resident, 27-year-old Muhammad Zulkarnain, described the isolation of his neighborhood. “There’s no way in or out for any vehicles to enter,” he said. While he acknowledged receiving basic supplies like biscuits and instant noodles from NGOs, many remain in need of assistance.
The floods have claimed four lives across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak. Officials have deployed thousands of emergency personnel, along with rescue boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters, to the affected areas.
Flooding is an annual phenomenon in Malaysia, driven by the northeast monsoon, which brings heavy rains from November to March. However, the scale of this year’s flooding underscores the growing urgency for comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, chair of the National Disaster Management Committee, assured the public of continued efforts. “We have mobilized all available resources to support flood-prone states and ensure the safety of residents,” he said.
As the rains persist, many are left bracing for further challenges, hopeful for more comprehensive relief in the coming days.
