FLOOD: 20 WATER DISCHARGE CHANNELS OPENED IN SUNGAI GOLOK PLSB

KOTA BHARU, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The Irrigation and Drainage Department has expedited the opening of 20 water discharge channels in Phase 1 of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project as a measure to tackle floods, particularly in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas.

State Welfare, Family and Women’s Development Committee chairman Rohani Ibrahim said the Kelantan government has also decided not to repair the embankment that was breached last year in the project area to mitigate the impact of flooding.

She described these as a critical measure in preparing for the northeast monsoon season, alongside identifying 618 flood hotspot locations across the state to bolster preparedness.

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“We have also increased the number of relief centres to 459 this year, with a capacity to accommodate 186,440 evacuees, compared to 214 centres last year,” she said in response to a question from Tuan Harun Ismail (PAS-Tawang) about the government’s flood preparedness, during the state assembly sitting here today.

Rohani said 38 active relief centres have also been upgraded with an allocation of RM810,000 from the National Disaster Management Agency.

Regarding food supply, she said the Social Welfare Department has set up a main storage depot, six district disaster storerooms and 160 forward bases, in addition to appointing 85 suppliers for essential goods throughout the state.

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“The number of personnel and rescuers has also been increased to 7,209 individuals this year compared to 7,147 last year, with 19,619 assets,” she added.

Rohani said that over 100 volunteers and 34 non-governmental organisations are also involved in coordinating aid at the constituency level.

She urged the public to remain vigilant to flood sirens and follow the authorities’ instructions while ensuring their family members’ safety.

-- BERNAMA