KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the critical period for flood victims throughout the five days in Kemaman, Terengganu was ending and it was time for cleaning works to begin.
He described the phenomenon this time as unusual, saying it was probably to serve as a reminder to the people on the importance of being united and avoiding conflicts before being tested with catastrophes such as in Aceh, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
“Everything was unusual. The rainfall reading in Jabur on December 2 was 777mm in a day. This is a 100-year phenomenon. Normally during the monsoon season, the level is 350mm in a month.
Those who were not here did not feel it. It is an unusual phenomenon,” he said in his Facebook last night.
Ahmad Shabery also expressed his appreciation to the volunteers who had aided the victims regardless of their political alignment.
“The role played by all of them, civil servants, police, fire and rescue department, civil defence department, civil volunteer corps (Rela) and the army who had come from far and near. They worked not merely in the name of duty but to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted them. I salute you. You are a pride to the country,” he said.
Ahmad Shabery also admitted that there had been some weaknesses in the response to the situation, which should serve as a lesson for rectification. — Bernama
