ALOR STAR: The Kedah government has made full preparations to face the floods this week following a weather forecast on heavy evening showers for the next seven days.
State Public Works, Water Supply and Water Resources, Irrigation and Drainage and Energy committee chairman Mohamad Yusoff Zakaria said the state's Disaster Action Council has held a meeting involving all relevant agencies to discuss on the preparation.
"All relevant agencies were involved in the meeting and they have given their commitment to be fully geared up to face the floods.
"Various preparations involving logistics arrangement, personnel, equipment, temporary flood relief centres, and related necessities have been discussed.
"At the same time, the state government will be initiating plans for the deepening and cleaning up of rivers and streams," he told the New Straits Times today.
Yusoff, who is also the Kuala Nerang assemblyman, said the state government has also made preparations to ensure uninterrupted treated water supply despite the heavy rain.
"The state government will increase the number of water tankers from Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada), contracted and voluntary water tankers, and will mobilise volunteers to aid people in areas affected by the floods," he added.
He also advised the general public especially those living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and make the necessary preparations.
"At the same time, let us all pray to Allah for protection and to keep us safe from calamities. We pray fervently that Allah safeguards us from disasters," he added.
Earlier today, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecasted that all districts in Kedah were expected to encounter heavy rainfall coupled with thunderstorms in the evenings from today until Oct 30.
State MetMalaysia director Muhammad Khalil Abd Aziz reportedly said the weather patterns were due to the onset of the monsoon transition period which is anticipated from mid-September until November.