KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — All agencies involved in flood disaster management have been instructed to be prepared and to monitor all flood-prone areas closely, following heavy rains in several states, since yesterday.

National Disaster Management Agency (APBN) deputy director-general, Datuk Muhammad Yusoff Wazir said food supplies have been distributed to evacuation centres under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

“We have also instructed the agencies to evacuate victims much earlier as soon as the Meteorology and Drainage and Irrigation departments issued a the red alert (danger),” he said when contacted by Bernama here today.

Among agencies involved are the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Department (JPAM), Smart Team, JKM and medical teams.

Muhammad Yusoff said about 50,000 members involved in the operation were ready to be deployed at the flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, Meteorological Department director-general, Datuk Che Gayah Ismail said MetMalaysia had issued the red and orange level weather warnings for East Coast states and Johor, where heavy rains were expected to continue until tomorrow.

The red level alert had been issued for Kota Baharu, Pasir Puteh, Bachok and Tumpat in Kelantan while in Terengganu districts affected were Besut, Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Dungun and Kemaman.

Kuala Krai, Gua Musang, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Machang, Pasir Mas and Hulu Terengganu had been issued with the orange level alert.

In addition, he said Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Baru in Johor and Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang were also issued the orange alert following moderate to heavy rains.

The coastal areas of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and East Johor were also also prone to a rise in sea level expected to occur from today until tomorrow, he added.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director Shahimi Sharif said the water in the main rivers of Kelantan and Terengganu were still at normal levels although the two states were hit by heavy rains since yesterday.

He said the level of Sungai Kelantan at Gua Musang was at 80.31 metres and would be at danger level if it exceeded 87 metres.

“Rivers in other districts are still at normal levels. Terengganu has also reported normal water levels. Nevertheless we have to be watchful as it has been raining heavily continuously,” he said. — Bernama