PUCHONG: The burden of flood management and the responsibilities should not be shouldered only by the Federal Government, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       The deputy prime minister said cooperation and coordination between federal and state governments was crucial when it comes to handling disaster management.

       "In managing the floods, we have to cast aside the 'colourful' politics... we have to shoulder responsibilities as a team.

       "At the federal and National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) levels, we are colour blind when it comes to disaster management aid.

       "But it is imperative that state governments also respond quickly towards operations being carried out," he told the press at the SMART headquarters in Puchong on Thursday (Jan 18).

       Earlier, Ahmad Zahid had delivered a speech at the Nadma Mandate Ceremony for Year 2024. Also present was Nadma director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus.

       Ahmad Zahid said they will work with the Fire and Rescue Department for the use of water jets or even ask assistance from the Army as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help with post-flood efforts.

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       In terms of aid, Nadma and the Flood Operation Command Centre have a list of names of those who had been relocated to temporary evacuation centres (PPS).