FLOOD SITUATION WORSENS

It is reported that the flood situation is getting worst with rising flood waters and so far 5 States have evacuated almost 34,000 people to temporary shelters which are stationed at schools. A few lives have already been claimed, bring the death toll to 28. School term is expected to begin on January 3 nationwide.

Malaysia's Meteorological Department has warned that the monsoon season now is expected to continue bringing heavy rainfall, together with strong winds.

The worst-hit State, Pahang, have a total of 22,754 people who have been evacuated from their homes. Other States affected by the yearly floods include Terengganu and Kelantan, Johor and Kedah.

Government relief agencies have been instructed to rush food and essential supplies to the affected evacuees as water levels continued to rise, while complicating rescue and relief efforts carried out.

The annual year-end monsoons bring heavy rainfall, which typically sparks flooding in all of Malaysia's coastal states, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.