December may mean the festive season to some people, but others might wrack their brains and look for survival tips before the flood hits home.

Flood-prone states like Kelantan, Johor, and Terengganu have been hit by the annual disaster, and Astro Awani reported that the number of flood victims in Kelantan has seen an increase of up to 2,000 people, who have been placed at the temporary evacuation center (PPS).

Despite the increase, the Deputy Menteri Besar of Kelantan, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said that the flood in the state has still not exceeded the danger zone.  

“The flood water will recede once the rain stops”

Just yesterday (December 14), Amar said that the flood that the people in Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas districts are currently experiencing is just normal flooding due to the rainy weather.

“It’s just the early stage of flood. When the rain stops, the flood water will recede.”

He also said that the flood will only be deemed serious when the water flows from the mountain, which is known as Hujan Hulu (upstream rain), as reported by Sinar Harian.

Regardless, Amar assured the people that rescue and evacuation works are still being carried out where the victims are all placed at the respective PPS. Food has also been distributed to the victims at PPS.

“The steps to handle the flood has also been taken since October,” Amar said.

“I’m sorry about this, Kelantanese”

Amar’s take on the current flood situation in Kelantan did not sit well with many Malaysians, who expressed their sympathy for the people in Kelantan, as well as criticising the state Deputy Menteri Besar for his ignorance towards the real situation.

“I pity the people in Kelantan. They have to face the flood for another 5 years.”

“It’s only serious when the Mercedes has drowned.”

“It’s only serious to him when the houses have drowned and lives are lost. Then he’ll say that it’s fate.”

“Congratulations Kelantanese for voting for the same government.”

“He’ll think it’s serious when the whole Kelantan has drowned and if he has to move. Please think of the victims.”

In the meantime, some Malaysians are highlighting that Amar is simply stating the obvious.

“Flood is indeed caused by the rain. What’s serious to him? Hurricane?”

“Rain causes the flood. What else?”

“He said the same thing back in 2014.”

While it’s common and unexpected for flash floods to hit certain areas during the monsoon season, we do hope that necessary actions are taken to handle the crisis, as well as save the lives of the victims. Fellow Kelantanese, if your area is hit by the flood, do you agree with Amar’s take on the disaster?

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