Home Ministry sends 24,700 volunteers to clean up flood victims' homes

The Home Ministry has sent 24,700 volunteers in aid mission to assist flood victims in post-flood operations in

the affected states.

Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the main focus of the mission, comprising ministry officers, staff and Skuad Muda KDN, is to clean up and repair the damaged houses.

"They are assisted by volunteers from NGOs in Federal Territory," he said after sending off Skuad Muda KDN, here today.

The mission would also bring food, clothing, school equipment and tools in 25 lorries, one trailer, 10 4WD vehicles and 36 light vehicles.

On another note, Zahid said the ministry never issued permits to allow the sale of foreign newspapers in this country.

He had directed ministry acting secretary-general and the Publishing Division secretary to take action, including seizing copies of the foreign newspapers.

"As a result, 1,119 copies (foreign newspapers) were seized in four premises in Kuala Lumpur this morning under Section 5 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

"I would like to thank the newspaper concerned for exposing the presence of foreign newspapers. The ministry will conduct more raids, not only in the Klang Valley but also other parts of the country."

A mainstream newspaper today said the sale of foreign newspapers at business premises monopolised by foreigners could pose a threat to national security as they were published in foreign languages.

Zahid said the KDN will meet with the ambassadors of several countries on Monday to seek an explanation how the newspapers could be sold in Malaysia.

The report said the foreign newspapers sold include those from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and Indonesia.