Adequate asset for flood rescue operations - Shahidan

Helicopters will be used in flood rescue operations if the need arises, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said today.

He said there were adequate facilities for use in flood rescue operations, but the authorities were prepared to use helicopters if there was a need to do so.

He said this following complaints of rescue team arriving late in some area.

"This happens when all our boats left for rescue operation and then we received report of some victims still stranded there. It will take some time to redeploy the boat.

"However, the situation is under control because it is closely monitored by the National Security Council," he told reporters after visiting flood victims at a relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Mulong here tonight.

Shahidan said the total number of flood victims in Kelantan last night was 19,501. The number has since risen to 21,328 this morning.