Anwar thanks King for airboats to aid flood relief operations

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for granting two airboats for use in flood-relief operations.

He said the royal contribution reflected the King’s concern for the safety and welfare of the people, particularly those affected by the floods.

On behalf of the Madani government, Anwar in a social media post said, “The support will strengthen preparedness and ease coordination of rescue efforts with agencies on the ground should a second wave of flooding occur.”

He added that with continued cooperation from all parties, efforts to assist flood victims could be improved and public safety better protected.

Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim announced that he had approved the federal government’s use of two of his high-powered airboats.

The royal approval comes amid unpredictable weather and as a precautionary measure for security agencies to conduct rescue missions should a second wave of flooding occur.

The Northeast Monsoon, which runs from November to March, brings heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas to Malaysia’s east coast, including Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and parts of Johor.

Persistent rainfall during this period often triggers flooding and landslides, disrupting transport and local communities.

As in previous years, thousands of people are affected by the floods, with many forced to evacuate to temporary relief centres where the government provides warm meals and basic necessities.

While the monsoon is a seasonal event, climate change has made extreme weather and floods more intense and unpredictable in recent years.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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