Malaysia floods displace over 37,000, Kelantan state hit the worst

More than 37,000 people across six Malaysian states have been displaced due to severe flooding caused by torrential rains this week, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday.

Speaking in parliament, Anwar confirmed that 322 temporary shelters had been set up in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Johor, and Perak states to house those affected.

Kelantan, a northeastern state bordering Thailand, has been the hardest hit, with 30,582 people from 9,223 families displaced.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a red alert for continuous heavy rain in Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu, warning of dangerous downpours expected to last until Friday.

Flooding is common along Malaysia’s eastern coast during the annual monsoon season, which runs from October to March, often displacing thousands of residents.

“The National Disaster Management Agency has been directed to mobilise all federal and state agencies to ensure the safety of flood victims throughout the monsoon period,” Anwar told lawmakers.

PM Shehbaz pledges Pakistan’s support to flood-hit Malaysia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed solidarity with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the people of Malaysia as floods displaced over 37,000 people across six states.

In a statement, Shehbaz conveyed his condolences and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to assist Malaysia during this crisis.

“Pakistan and Malaysia are long-standing friends and brotherly countries. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a friend of Pakistan, and we will not leave him alone in this hour of difficulty,” he said.

Shehbaz also emphasised the need for global cooperation to address climate change, pointing to the devastating floods as a symptom of a global crisis.

“The harmful effects of climate change are engulfing the whole world. The entire world must come together and take steps to stop climate change,” he added.