KELANTAN JKM STRENGTHENS FLOOD READINESS WITH 20 ADDITIONAL RELIEF CENTRES

KUALA KRAI, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Social Welfare Department (JKM) will set up 20 additional temporary relief centres in preparation for the flood season in Kelantan this year.

Kelantan JKM deputy director Md Yani Mat Zin said the move brings the total number of relief centres in the state to 459, as part of preparations to handle unexpected floods similar to those experienced last year.

“We want to ensure that there are enough facilities should the same situation recur,” he said after officiating the ‘Memacu Kehidupan Deepavali 2025’ programme at the Eastern Region Kesedar office hall here today.

He said based on the current weather patterns, there was also a possibility of flooding in areas that were previously unaffected.

“Floods usually affect Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, Tumpat and Kota Bharu, but this year we are also focusing on other districts with flood potential. The addition of relief centres is an early measure to ensure flood victims can be relocated to safer places immediately,” he said.

Md Yani said more than 400 JKM personnel were ready to be mobilised to assist flood victims throughout Kelantan.

“Each relief centre will house nine staff members, excluding volunteers and appointed cooks. At the district level, we have established a special committee chaired by the respective district heads,” he added.

He said all the relief centres can accommodate up to 172,400 flood victims.

Meanwhile, Petronas East Coast Region general manager Ahmad Shazly Ramli said Petronas, through the Petronas Foundation, contributed RM340,000 to 1,700 underprivileged Indian families nationwide in conjunction with this year’s Deepavali celebration.

Of the total, 100 Indian families in Kelantan received a food basket containing essential items such as rice and cooking oil.

“This assistance is part of the Petronas Foundation’s ongoing commitment to brightening the festive (Deepavali) celebration of the Indian community nationwide,” he said.

-- BERNAMA