KUALA LUMPUR: A battalion in each state has been placed under alert in the event more floods, says the Defence Ministry.

       In a statement Sunday (Dec 26), Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said that each have been ordered to be in a state of readiness to respond to areas hit by floods, should the need arise.

       With floodwaters receding in many areas, the Armed Forces will now focus on cleaning up work, he added.

       “This is in line with the statement issued by Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang who said that the Armed Forces will add additional troops totalling 500, and this is aimed primarily to assist in cleaning up work,” he said, adding that the men on the ground would also assist in Covid-19 prevention.

       As of Saturday (Dec 25), the Armed Forces have moved 32,661 flood victims to evacuation centres, he added.

       “I have received reports on instances of Armed Forces boats that had been malfunctioning at flood affected areas. As such, the ministry has made an emergency purchase, after direct contact with the Finance Ministry, of 55 Outboard Motors (OBM),” he added.

       International aid has also been offered by the Saudi royal family via the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

       “I pray that the floods end and all affected victims be granted the strength to face this difficult challenge,” he said.