Thousands still stranded in Malaysia floods

Thousands of people remained stranded in relief centres on Thursday as northeast Malaysia struggled to recover from severe flooding and residents raised fears of looting.

But the number of people displaced in the states of Kelantan and Terengganu fell to about 18,300 from almost 23,000 on Wednesday.

Seasonal flooding hits Malaysia’s east coast states every year and regularly results in mass evacuations. In badly hit Rantau Panjang, a Kelantan town bordering Thailand, more than 300 residents sought shelter at a crowded relief centre.

Evacuees said food was sufficient but there were hygiene concerns. Dustbins were overflowing with garbage while families with young children were squeezed into small classrooms. Looking glum, flood victims said they were worried about future supplies of clean drinking water, loss of income and thieves looting their homes.

In some areas in Kelantan, children were seen playing in floodwaters while commuters waded through knee-deep waters. Zainuddin Hussin, chief of Kelantan’s civil department force, said further scattered showers were expected.

Levels of major rivers were receding but he warned that the Golok river, on the border with Thailand, could overflow.

Malaysia’s worst flooding in decades occurred in 2014 and forced some 118,000 people to flee their homes.

Prime Minister Najib Razak came under fire for golfing with US President Barack Obama during the crisis. With a snap general election expected this year, Najib is expected to visit Terengganu and Kelantan on Saturday to oversee rescue efforts. Votes from the two states will be crucial for the ruling United Malays National Organisation.