KUALA LUMPUR: The number of flood evacuees in Kedah increased slightly while in Melaka, only one relief centre (PPS) is still in operation and in Johor, the situation has returned to normal.

       Malaysian Civil Defence (APM) Force Disaster Management Committee Secretariat Kedah division chief Mohd Muaz Mohd Yusof said two more PPS were opened on Wednesday to accommodate the increase in evacuees – 823 people from the previous 736.

       The two relief centres were at SK Convent and SK Titi Gajah in the Kota Setar district, Bernama reported.

       Mohd Muaz said Kota Setar recorded the highest number of flood evacuees, comprising 300 people from 117 families who were being accommodated at six PPS, followed by Pendang with 291 victims (76 families) at two PPS.

       “The PPS at SK Convent in Kota Setar has nine victims from three families, while 75 people from 26 families are at the PPS at SK Titi Gajah,” he said in a statement.

       Kubang Pasu recorded 100 flood victims (25 families) at two PPS, while 48 people from 14 families were at two PPS in Pokok Sena.

       In Johor, the situation has returned to normal with the closure of the last PPS at SK Melayu Raya.

       State Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan said the PPS was opened to accommodate 18 people (four families) from Kampung Paya Embun earlier.

       In Melaka, one PPS at SK Durian Tunggal was still in operation, with four people from two families still seeking temporary shelter there.

       Melaka APM director Lt Col Cuthbert John Martin Quadra said the flood victims will be allowed to return home after they have finished cleaning their houses.

       “In Alor Gajah, the situation has almost returned to normal with only one PPS still in operation,” he said.

       Separately, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has issued several electrical safety guidelines to the public in view of the monsoon season, which usually results in heavy rains in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor, beginning from this month until early January.

       TNB said the guidelines, among others, advised the public to avoid using any electrical appliances and to ensure that the main switch is turned off if their houses are inundated following heavy rain.

       “This is to reduce the possibility of electric shock. Apart from this, contact the TNB CareLine at 15454 or the TNB CareLine Facebook page as soon as the water level rises so that electricity supply can be cut off immediately in the affected areas,” it said in a statement.

       TNB also advised the public not to touch any electrical appliances or cables submerged in floodwaters even if they are coated with insulation, as well as to store all electrical equipment on higher ground.

       The public are also advised to avoid areas with power lines, especially at night where visibility is poor, and to never use a ladder or bamboo near power lines.

       “Parents must watch their children closely so that they do not go near fallen electric poles or cables during floods,” it added.