Worst flooding in decades hits Malaysia

Malaysia pledged more funds on Sunday to help more than 160,000 people hit by the country's worst flooding in decades, as forecasters warned fresh rain could hamper efforts to relieve thousands left stranded by the waters.

Prime Minister Najib Razak announced an additional 500 million ringgit ($143 million) after touring parts of Kelantan state on Saturday, which along with northeastern Terengganu and Pahang regions has been worst hit by the deluge.

Eight people have reportedly been killed so far by the torrential monsoon rains, and fears are mounting that the toll could rise because communities have been left stranded without food or medicine.

"The country is in desperate need of more helicopters," Aziz Kaprawi, deputy transport minister, said on Sunday, as rescue agencies warned that shortages of fuel and clean water were hampering search efforts.

The worst flooding in 30 years has devastated much of northern Malaysia, with some 8,000 people thought to have been left stranded across the impoverished Kelantan state, where 17 areas have been cut off by the rising waters.

From the air, state capital Kota Bharu appeared like a vast, muddy lake and left largely without power. Locals said many people had turned to looting because of a lack of fresh food and water supplies.

Weather forecasters warned that much of Malaysia will see more storms in the next three days.

"We expect another surge in heavy rain followed by strong winds brought by the seasonal northeast monsoon, which usually continues till March," a meteorological department official told AFP.

"It is going to take time for the floodwaters to subside."

'Not enough'

Anger has been mounting across Malaysia at what is seen as the government's slow response to the crisis.

Truck drivers are complaining of diesel shortages because many gas stations have been submerged. At relief centers, workers are struggling to cope without enough clean water and in the face of unsanitary conditions.

Najib faced criticism after being pictured playing golf with US President Barack Obama during the storms.

On Sunday, the prime minister defended his "golf diplomacy", with the Sunday Star newspaper quoting him as saying that it is hard to turn down a personal invitation by the US president.

The government has since stepped up its response to the crisis, pledging the extra 500 million ringgit to help cope with the crisis on top of 50 million ringgit already allocated.

(China Daily 12/29/2014 page11)