Malaysia will launch a full-scale inquiry into deadly floods, the worst in 30 years, which displaced thousands of people in southern Johor state, a report said today.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who ordered the probe, said there were many reasons for the floods in addition to the weather.

"The infrastructure such as drainage needs to be looked at. For example, there were places where the water levels went up quickly and took a long time to recede," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times newspaper.

Abdullah said the authorities will continue to carry out relief work to assist the flood victims.

Massive clean-up

Seventeen people have been killed so far by floods caused by unseasonably heavy rain, which started in December.

Malaysia yesterday said it will carry out a massive clean-up after floods that displaced more than 110,000 people.

Works Minister S Samy Vellu has said that damaged infrastructure will cost RM350 million (US$100 million) to repair. The private sector has reportedly estimated economic losses at RM2.4 billion.