The Finance Ministry (MOF) has approved the purchase of 55 outboard motors as an emergency purchase to aid the military’s disaster relief efforts.
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein says, “The emergency purchase was following the need for the armed forces boats to be used non-stop in the flood-affected areas.
“The ministry had been in direct contact with MOF to make an emergency purchase of 55 outboard motors. The application has been approved by MoF.”
According to him, the military has deployed 998 officers and troops across the three branches to assist with disaster relief efforts on Dec 25.
“A total of 96 assets of various types namely trucks, combat boats, outboard motors, and helicopters among others were deployed to affected states including Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Melaka.
“The armed forces have successfully evacuated 32,661 flood victims to temporary evacuation centres,” he says, adding that the armed forces will boost post-flood clean-up efforts, including the prevention of the Covid-19 outbreak.
He also stated that the armed forces are ready for the upcoming flood season, which is still ongoing.
“The armed forces are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality, including the second wave of floods,” he said.
“In each state, one battalion has been placed on standby, ready to be deployed to flood-affected areas if the need arises.”
In the statement, Hishammuddin also speaks about Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki bin Mohammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz desire to give a helping hand to Malaysians affected by the floods.
“Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki bin Mohammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, who has expressed his desire to help with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s efforts to provide assistance and contributions to Malaysians affected by the floods,” he says.
