It may take two weeks to clean up the flood-hit areas in the municipality, Kemaman Municipal Council (MPK) anticipates.
MPK president Mustafar Khalid said, 20 ten-tonne lorries, 12 excavators and five small lorries were being used to collect the bulk and domestic refuse at 20 housing estates and several other areas.
The clean-up process, which began Wednesday, has been divided into seven zones based on the amount of refuse, he said, adding that the zones were Paya Berenjut, Bukit Mentok, Bukit Mentok Baru, Fikri, Mak Cili, Air Putih and Mak Lagam.
"The clean-up work is being handled by two contractors supervised by 13 MPK health officers. It is estimated that each of the estimated 3,000 houses will have about 1.5 tonnes of bulk refuse," he told Bernama at his office Wednesday.
Describing the floods as the worst since 1971, Mustafar said he hoped that residents would exercise patience as the council was short of manpower and had a limited number of vehicles as three of them were damaged in the flood.
He said the council had obtained aid from the Dungun and Kuala Terengganu local authorities. The Road Transport Department's volunteer squad would also help out.
Mustafar said the devastating floods were caused by exceptionally heavy rain over three days from Dec 2.
About 1,000 cars were damaged after they were submerged by the flood waters, he said.
Some 300 of the 550 MPK employees also fell victim when their houses were flooded, some to a depth of almost two metres, he said.
Meanwhile, Kemaman UMNO Youth said it would help out in the cleaning by concentrating first on mosques and surau which had been used as relief centres.
Its head, Ahmad Fikry Ibrahim, said 60 members of the movement would go down to the ground Thursday and start cleaning up.
About 300 UMNO members from the Chukai and Air Putih state constituencies would be involved in the cleaning up which was being undertaken with the cooperation of the Kemaman Rakan Muda complex.
Three mosques and three surau were among 35 relief centres opened on Dec 2.
Ahmad Fakry said, as part of the preparation to face the second wave of floods, the movement had opened five posts in strategic areas in Chukai to facilitate the evacuation of people in the event of floods.
Bernama
Wed Dec 11 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.