No need to declare emergency yet, says PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today clarified there is no need yet for the federal government to declare a state of emergency in flood-affected states such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.

He said, firstly, if the government declares a state of emergency or force majeure, for sure the insurance companies would not be paying any reparation.

"Secondly, we are already working as though it is in a state of emergency as all government agencies have been directed to maximise all efforts to help the flood victims," Najib told newsmen during his visit to Kelantan to observe the flood situation here earlier today.

He also announced a RM500 million special aid for the victims. The aid will be distributed by the National Security Council (MKN) based on criteria which will be determined later.

Najib also announced that the disbursement of 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), supposedly at the end of January 2015, will be expedited to the middle of that month.

Besides that, to further ease the flood victims' burden, the premier asked for all financial institutions and agencies to reschedule the repayment of loans for victims who have taken up loans with them.

These were the three initial efforts announced by Najib during his day-long visit here.

He said, on infrastructure such as roads, school buildings and hospitals, the damage assessment will be evaluated later using a different fund.

"There will be an additional allocation as the amount of damage is huge. The Works Department will evaluate accordingly once the floods are over," said Najib.

At this point, he said, the floods in Kelantan are classified as serious and unexpected because many of the places which are currently affected, were not affected before.

Presently, the focus is on rescuing the victims and supplying them with adequate food and clean water, he added.