Reports by WANI MUTHIAH, ASHLEY TANG, FARIK ZOLKEPLI, ALLISON LAI, BERNARD CHEAH, SYAUQI JAMIL, SARBAN SINGH and AHMAD SYARAFI ADLI AZAMI

       KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has described the flood situation in the federal capital as similar to the major flood disaster of 1971.

       Sultan Abdullah said 50 years after the incident, Malaysians should take it as a lesson and be prepared to deal with floods, especially in December and January.

       His Majesty said this after visiting flood victims at the Sultan Sulaiman Club evacuation centre here at about 11.30am yesterday.

       During his visit, His Majesty expressed his sympathy for the victims and advised them to continue to be patient in facing this difficult time.

       “I am still reviewing the situation from time to time and in the meantime, I hope all of you will remain patient and accept (the flood disaster) as fate.

       “Take care of your health, take care of all the children,” said His Majesty.

       Sultan Abdullah said he also hoped the government would provide the best possible assistance to all victims.

       In a statement posted on the Istana Negara Facebook page, His Majesty said assistance should be channelled to flood victims nationwide as quickly as possible, including tents for relief centres.

       “His Majesty advised the people to abide by all advice and instructions issued by the government for the safety of themselves and their loved ones,” the statement read.

       Sultan Abdullah also invited the people to join him to pray that the weather condition and flood situation will improve, and that the major floods in 1971 will not recur.

       During the 1971 floods, at least 24 people died and over 35,000 people were evacuated nationwide, at a time when the population was only about 10 million. Pahang, Johor, Kelantan, Johor and Selangor were badly affected, with floodwaters and landslides cutting off roads and railway links around the country, including land routes to Singapore.

       During his visit, Sultan Abdullah also presented donations to the flood victims at four more relief centres, including Dewan Hamzah, Sentul Community Centre and SRJK Tamil Saraswathy.

       According to Istana Negara, Sultan Abdullah’s unprecedented visit to the evacuation centres was a reflection of his care and love for his people. — Bernama