Armed Forces On Standby For More Incoming Flood Disasters As Monsoon Season Worsens
"If anything happens, they will be there."
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According to its chief, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) are prepared to handle incoming flood disasters as the country braces for heavy monsoon rain
Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang.
Image via Mohd Yusni Ariffin / New Straits Times
"We are well prepared, and all our men and assets are already in place," he said in a press conference held at the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) command centre in Taman Sri Muda yesterday, 23 December.
Massive floods wreaked havoc across the country after incessant downpour since 17 December, however, Affendi stressed that "the worst is not over"
Image via Shafwan Zaidon / Malay Mail
"The monsoon has yet to hit Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor. These are the 'traditional' areas hit by the northeast monsoon," said Affendi.
"Our men are all prepared to make sure if anything happens, they will be there," he assured.
When asked if there was a lack of coordination between NADMA and other agencies when the floods happened, Affendi said "during the tragedy, not one system is perfect the first time"
Image via Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (Facebook)
According to him, it is a disaster that all agencies have been preparing to face for the last two months, and that continuing the blame game is purposeless.
"We have placed our personnel and assets on standby because that was the direction given two months ago.
"This is an emergency caused by a disaster, and during the tragedy, not one system is perfect the first time," he said.
Affendi also added that they will work together and solve any problems that arise along the way.
Written by Teh Athira Yusof
This article originally appeared on New Straits Times, with rights to be republished on SAYS.
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