IGP: OBEY EVACUATION ORDERS
PEOPLE who are told to leave flood-hit areas must comply immediately to avoid the risk of injury or death. Tan Sri Razarudin Husain also gives an assurance policemen will keep their properties and belongings safe.
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112,692 at relief centres at press time
INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain wants those affected by floods to heed orders to evacuate if they are told to do so. “These orders are not made lightly and have taken into consideration the safety of all victims, as well as government agencies involved in flood operations.
“Those given the orders to evacuate must comply immediately and move to designated flood relief centres,” he told the New Straits Times.
Razarudin’s advice came on the heels of several floodrelated deaths, including that of a yearold toddler in Kelantan.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat had said the child’s family had been instructed to evacuate but they refused to do so.
He said some victims were too stubborn to evacuate as they did not want to leave their belongings and homes unattended.
Razarudin gave his assurance that policemen would continue to carry out their core duties in maintaining public order and safety in flood-affected areas.
This, he said, included ensuring the safety of houses and properties in inundated areas.
He assured those displaced by floods that police would patrol their housing area and watch out for the safety of their houses.
“We have designated over 17,000 personnel and officers for operations during this northeast monsoon.
“As for assets, 570 boats, 460 lorries, 905 four-wheel-drive vehicles and 317 vans will be used for these operations as and when necessary.
“We also have 17 jet skis and eight aircraft at the ready as well,” he said, adding that more than 7,600 life jackets had also been prepared for use.
Razarudin said police units designated for aid response had been divided based on zones.
“The General Operations Force Northern Brigade will cover Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis while the (GOF) Central Brigade, Federal Reserve Unit, Marine Police Region 2 and Air Wing will cover Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.
“The (GOF) Southeast Brigade, Marine Police Region 3 and Sixth Unit of the FRU will cover Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan,” he said.
He added that the GOF Sabah Brigade, Sabah Air Wing Unit and Marine Police Region 4 would cover Sabah, whereas the Sarawak Brigade, Marine Police Region 5 and Sarawak Air Wing
Unit would cover Sarawak.
Razarudin advised the public to always heed the warnings and instructions of authorities stationed at these areas.
“Do not treat these flooded areas as places for fun and games. Parents must monitor their children closely and not allow them to swim or play in floodwaters.
“Motorists should also avoid driving through these flooded areas as the strong currents could sweep vehicles away, and the actual condition of the roads are not clearly visible,” he said
Page 1 pic: An aerial view of several inundated villages along a river in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. The flood situation has improved in the state with lower rainfall and reduction in the number of flood victims sheltering at relief centres.