KOTA BAHARU, Jan 2 ― A total of 800 policemen have been deployed to help those affected by massive floods which struck Kelantan recently.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said these policemen will assist non-governmental organisations (NGO), government departments and individuals to clean-up homes and premises which are covered in thick layers of silt.               

“A total of 800 personnel from all units including the General Operations Force, Federal Reserve Unit and air unit will help with post-flood clean-ups in Kelantan,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after visiting two policemen who were injured in a helicopter crash at Kampung Rambai Gobek, Tanah Merah two days ago, at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) here today.            

Khalid said all police headquarters and police stations in Kelantan which were affected by the floods have also begun operating as usual.

“In Kelantan, 19 stations were involved in the floods but were not closed. Its personnel were still on duty,” he said.       

Commenting further, he said more than 50 individuals were detained to facilitate investigations on reports of theft in Kelantan during the floods.        

In the 6.45pm incident, a helicopter belonging to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had crashed while it was hovering about 300 feet (91.44 metres) in the air during a mission to deliver food supplies to flood victims.         

Its pilot, ASP Amirul Adli Ahmad, who sustained a fractured spine and co-pilot ASP Hasli Hassan, who injured his right knee, are being treated at the hospital.            

Khalid said the police officers were recovering and are expected to be discharged from HUSM soon.

The two other members involved, Sergeant Major Mohd Hood Abd Majid is being treated at the Tanah Merah Hospital while Lance Corporal Arhafidah Zakaria has already been sent home.

“We are leaving investigations on the cause of the incident to the Department of Civil Aviation,” said Khalid.      

Also present were Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim and Kelantan police chief Datuk Mazlan Lazim. ― Bernama