Scenes from the devastation in Kuala Krai, Kelantan (pic from the Malay Mail Online
In the absence of government forces in flood-hit areas, DAP leaders today warned of potential health disasters.
Urging the government to declare a state of emergency in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, DAP MPs Anthony Loke (Seremban) and Liew Chin Tong (Kluang) expressed fears of the coastal floods facilitating a potential outbreak of disease.
“Garbage is mostly not collected and flooded areas have not yet been cleaned. The stench of dead animals is commonplace,” they said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), floods increase the transmission of communicable diseases, such typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A.
The WHO added that vector-borne diseases may increase due to the existence of stagnant water used as breeding sites, as seen during the 2004 floods in Dominican Republic which led to an outbreak of malaria.
To prevent this, Liew and Loke have asked Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to deploy at least 10,000 military personnel from all camps in Kelantan to be involved in a clean up of Kuala Krai.
They also called on Najib to ensure rationed food is supplied to all corners of Kuala Krai in the quickest possible time.
“Without the Government stepping in to ensure food and essential items are distributed to all in an orderly manner, and without the market forces of shops and stalls functioning properly, social unrest cannot be ruled out,” they said.
Liew and Loke reiterated DAP’s initial call for a state of emergency, emphasising the need for government arms to be out in full force to prevent social unrest and looting.
Various reports have emerged of looting of empty homes and fighting as food supply dwindle in flood-hit areas.
The DAP men said increased presence of military and police forces would restore public order for businesses to operate again.
Apart from that, they also urge for a clear schedule for the resumption of electricity supply as victims are currently forced to use rain water to prepare food, such as instant noodles.
“The twin-crises of health and supply in Kuala Krai cannot wait,” said Loke and Liew. -The Rocket
