Floods kill 21 in Malaysia

Floodwaters are beginning to recede but the worst flooding for decades in Malaysia's north east has claimed at least 21 lives.

At least 21 people have been killed and eight others are missing after the worst flooding in decades across Malaysia's northeast, with almost a quarter of a million people displaced.

Fourteen of the deaths were recorded in the worst-hit state of Kelantan, where some 158,476 people were displaced.

Four people died in Terengganu and three in Pahang state. There are also reports of outbreaks of flu and diarrhoea.

The number forced from their homes in the other affected states, including Perak and Johor,totalled 83,570.

Forecasters Wednesday predicted clear skies for the next three days.

"But we are still in the northeast monsoon period until March. We could expect heavy showers later in the week," a meteorological department official said.

Floodwaters have begun to subside in many areas but authorities are bracing for possible disease outbreaks.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, who came under fire after being filmed playing golf with US President Barack Obama in Hawaii when the disaster happened, said he was saddened by the flooding.

"I see so much destruction. It is depressing and sad," he said.


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world