Rescuers struggle to reach Malaysia flood victims as anger mounts

Rescue teams struggled Saturday to reach inundated areas of northeast Malaysia as victims accused the government of being slow to provide assistance after the country’s worst flooding in decades. Malaysians have vented their anger at Prime Minister Najib Razak after the release of photos which went viral on social media showing him playing golf with U.S. President Barack Obama during the storms. The number of people forced to flee their homes climbed past 120,000 with weather forecasters warning of no respite for the northeastern states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. The under-fire-Najib was expected to arrive in Kelantan Saturday to lead the national flood response after cutting short his vacation in Hawaii, his aide Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad told AFP. The government has allocated about $14 million to manage relief centres. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin admitted rescuers were facing challenges with power outages and roads being washed away by the floods.

I admit the situation is challenging to the rescue workers and we are trying our best to make sure that the food arrives to the victims depending on the flood situation.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin

Military helicopters and trucks were seen in Kota Bharu area, which is near the border with southern Thailand, but rescue efforts were being hampered by fast rising waters and strong currents while roads to hard-hit areas were impassable. In many areas, evacuation was hurried due to fast rising waters, forcing the family to leave before it became too dangerous. In Kelatan, the floods are causing plenty of issues: Desperation born of hunger and thirst has prompted some flood victims to begin looting homes for food and drink, risking unintended confrontations with owners yet to evacuate their property. One resident even considered hiring a helicopter to fly food in for his family. Meteorological Department officer Azlai Ta’at said rainfall is expected especially in the east coast.

Just few minutes ago, there are cases where people are breaking into houses to steal food and valuables too. This are caused mainly by food scarcity. [The] situation is getting tense as there are areas which people starting to fight for food and loot houses that are empty.

One resident of Kelatan, speaking to Malay Mail Online