It is a tragedy for many in Peninsular Malaysia as flash floods have hit many states since last week.
According to the Secretary-General of the Environment and Water Ministry Zaini Ujang, the rainfall in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 18 alone exceeded the average rainfall for a month. The Sentul station recorded the highest rainfall at 363mm, Gombak (247mm), Jinjang (258mm) and Sungai Bonus Jalan Tun Razak (273mm).
Besides Kuala Lumpur, other states affected by flash floods are Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
States affected by floods
According to NADMA, 41,418 victims have been evacuated to 405 relief centres or pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS) as of Dec 20 at 12 noon. Here is an update of the situation in each flood-affected state.
Selangor
Its capital, Shah Alam, is almost paralysed when many areas have been affected by floods. 73 main roads in Selangor were closed, with many other districts still experiencing severe floods today, such as in Kuala Langat, Klang, Hulu Selangor, and Subang.
Sadder still, a report as of Dec 21 at 3 pm states that a total of 17 individuals, including a volunteer, have passed away due to floods in Selangor.
Pahang
The flood situation in the state is worsening, and the number of victims continues to rise.
According to a report, Pahang has recorded six casualties while four others are still missing due to mud floods in Telemong, Bentong.
Kelantan
The number of flood victims continued to rise at 6 pm on Dec 19, when 4,324 people from 1,065 families sought shelter at relief centres. The flooding affected Kuala Krai, Gua Musang, Pasir Mas, Jeli and Tanah Merah districts.
Negeri Sembilan
Floods hit five districts in the state, namely Seremban, Port Dickson, Rembau, Kuala Pilah and Jelebu. As of Dec 19, 9 PPS are available in the state to accommodate 358 flood victims.
Terengganu
Most of the water levels of the main rivers in the state are at normal levels except at Sungai Kemaman. The level of the river at the Paya Paman pump house recorded a height of 4.45 metres. The level is above the danger level of 4 metres.
Kuala Lumpur
The situation in Kuala Lumpur is improving as heavy rains in most affected areas have ceased and floodwaters have receded. However, a total of 371 victims are still sheltering at PPS as of Dec 21.
Melaka
Two districts affected by the floods are Alor Gajah and Melaka Tengah, involving 729 victims.
Perak
The number of victims in Perak has increased to 242 people involving 65 families. The victims were evacuated to three PPS in two flood-affected districts, Hilir Perak and Muallim.
Assistance to flood victims
Many parties have stepped up to lend a hand to flood victims. These are some of the assistance by the government and other parties to flood-affected victims.
Evacuation
According to a report by Harian Metro on Dec 19, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government has mobilised a total of 66,015 enforcement agency personnel to assist flood victims at flood locations.
He said the agencies involved are the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM), Public Works Department (JKR), Social Welfare Department (JKM) as well as district offices and local authorities (PBT).
Flood victims needing assistance can contact the National Disaster Command Centre (NDCC) of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) at 03-8064 2400.
Relief centres
A total of 5,731 relief centres or PPS that can accommodate 1,628,512 victims are available nationwide. 500 volunteers have also been mobilised to assist the victims at PPS.
For sleeping places, JKM provides cubicles equipped with blankets and mattresses for flood victims at relief centres.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry provides doctors, nurses and necessities such as face masks, sanitisers and medication supplies at all relief centres.
In addition, the Prime Minister added that the government would carry out Covid-19 RTK Antigen screenings at all relief centres to ensure flood victims are safe from the virus.
RM1,000 cash aid for each family affected
As announced by the Prime Minister, each family affected by the floods will receive RM1,000 in cash aid.
The Prime Minister added that the government in September this year had raised compassionate aid to RM1,000 per household. The government will expedite the payment to the recipients in the flood-affected areas.
Emergency leave to civil servants
The government has agreed to give emergency leave to civil servants affected by the floods, announced the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister encouraged private sector employers to take a similar initiative on the condition that there should be no deduction to the staff’s annual leave or salary. The Prime Minister noted there is no law to force employers to provide paid leave in such circumstances. However, employers could do so on a humanitarian basis.
RM100mil for the repair of houses and infrastructure
Given the extent of damage, the government had approved an initial allocation of RM100mil to repair houses and infrastructure damaged by the floods nationwide.
Assistance by Perodua to flood-affected customers
According to its press release on Dec 19, Perodua is offering towing service rebates, discounts on selected spare parts and free inspections for Perodua vehicles to all Perodua vehicle owners affected by the floods.
Perodua customers can claim towing service up to RM100 at the nearest Perodua service outlets, subject to terms and conditions.
Additionally, Perodua is offering 20% off on selected spare parts to Perodua owners for their flood-damaged vehicles. The parts include all electronics items, engine overhaul gaskets, vehicle seats, door trim and carpet.
Perodua customers may call Perodua’s toll-free customer care line at 1-800-88-5555 for enquiries.
RM25mil contribution by PETRONAS towards relief efforts
In its press release on Dec 20, PETRONAS is contributing RM25 million towards relief efforts to assist flood victims.
Pledged by units and subsidiaries within the PETRONAS Group, including Yayasan PETRONAS, the fund will augment the total sum contributed by other government-linked companies (GLCs) that are part of the GLC Disaster Relief Network (GDRN).
What to do if your vehicle is stuck in floodwaters
We understand that being in a vehicle stuck in floodwaters is a cause for concern. However, please try your best to remain calm. This is to ensure your safety and that of your vehicle.
If your vehicle is trapped in floodwaters, here are a few measures to take:
Turn off your vehicle engine
Please do not turn on your engine even when you observe that the floodwaters are receding. Turn off the engine especially if your vehicle exhaust and engine are submerged in the waters.
Leave the engine turned off and when the waters have receded, immediately contact your insurance provider for towing assistance to a panel workshop.
You must not turn on the engine as it may further damage your vehicle engine. Besides, your car’s electronic engine control unit (ECU) can short out if you try to start the engine.
Check the level of engine and gearbox oil
Please check the engine and gearbox oil level using a dipstick. If it is above the required level, it is likely that the water has already entered your engine.
Ensure that you flush the engine and fill it with new oil. You can get the service at a workshop.
Note that floodwaters mixed with gearbox oil can damage your engine components.
Unplug and dry electrical components
Unplug and dry the radio, battery, HUD Display or any other electrical components in the car.
You should also have your car cushions washed and dried well to avoid unpleasant odours.
Flush the fuel if needed
To avoid any major problems or the possibility of your car needing an overhaul, we advise you to send your car to a workshop or service centre for inspection.
If needed, the mechanic can help you entirely flush the fuel to dry and refuel your car.
Remove the water from the engine
Depending on your vehicle, you can pump out water from the engine by unplugging the spark plug while the engine is running. However, we strongly advise you to get advice from a car workshop or service centre.
Does car insurance cover flood damage?
Your insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle due to floods or other natural disasters. However, if you purchase special perils cover, you can claim from your insurer for flood damage. This additional coverage will cover losses or damages caused by natural disasters, including floods, typhoons, hurricanes, storms, tempest, volcanic eruption, earthquake, landslide, landslip, subsidence or sinking of the soil/earth or other convulsions of nature.
Note that you will have to purchase comprehensive insurance if you wish to add special perils cover to your policy. You will usually have to pay an additional 0.5% of the sum insured for your car to enjoy this coverage. However, note that the additional premium varies across insurers. Should you get this add-on cover, your insurer will cover the repair cost or provide a claim payout, subject to the terms and conditions.
How to make an insurance claim for a flood-damaged vehicle
Follow the steps below to file an insurance claim for a flood-damaged vehicle:
Contact your insurance provider
Immediately contact your insurance hotline to inform them of your situation and request towing assistance. Please do not drive your car as it may damage it further.
Gather evidence
Record evidence for the purpose of your insurance claim. You can find the details required in your claim form. Check with your insurer if you are unsure of the required evidence. Most insurance companies will require the following:
- Record of the location, date and time of the flood
- Photos of the car damage due to the flood
- Driver and owner’s driving licence (copy)
- Driver and owner’s identity card (copy)
- Car grant (copy)
- Insurance policy (copy)
- Supporting documents explaining the car damage (if applicable)
Lodge a police report
Make a police report within 24 hours of the accident.
However, if that is not reasonably possible, you can make your report after 24 hours. Please do not delay making your report.
Submit the claim form and required documents
After completing the claim form and documenting the evidence, submit the documents to your insurance agent or insurance provider. They will inform you of the estimated duration to process your claim.
Send your car to a panel workshop
Send your car to a panel workshop for inspection and repair.
Safety measures during flood season amid Covid-19 pandemic
According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, all flood victims would have to undergo Covid-19 screenings before entering relief centres. Flood victims who are symptomatic or at risk or tested positive for Covid-19 will be isolated at quarantine centres to prevent the spread of infection.
He further said that Covid-19 patients would be isolated either at a Covid-19 Low-Risk Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) or Special Relief Centre or referred to hospitals. Additionally, close contacts or Patients Under Surveillance (PUS) and those with symptoms will also undergo quarantine in the same Special Relief Centre but a different block.
The Health Minister reminded the public to follow the SOPs during the evacuation process and when they are at relief centres.
Protect yourself and prepare for evacuation
As we have observed from the severe flooding in several states in the country, we have to prepare for the uncertainties. Floods have wreaked havoc in the country in a matter of hours. Therefore, other than following the instructions from the authorities during emergencies, we should prepare the necessary such as keeping important documents in a safe place and insuring our properties, including our vehicle.
While we certainly hope not to have another episode of flooding, we must remain vigilant.
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