"Our prayers were answered ... Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah)." 

 

These were the words of gratitude uttered by flood victim Azwan Ibrahim, after receiving food supplies from the flood aid distribution centre in Machang, Kelantan, today. 

 

Azwan, on behalf of approximately 400 flood evacuees taking shelter at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pangkal Nering, Pulai Chondong, also thanked the government for the aid, which they described as timely. 

 

"The remaining of our food supplies were cooked for lunch today and after this, we will have nothing else to eat... but, the arrival of the new supplies has really brought joy and relief to all the flood victims here," he told Bernama . 

 

The 38-year-old said he and other victims had been living without electricity and clean water supply over the past four days. 

 

"We have to resort to using rainwater for cooking and drinking," he said.  

 

Meanwhile, Ab Majid Ahmad, 64, who is a government retiree, said he was grateful for the food supplies sent by the federal and state governments. 

 

"Alhamdulillah, two boats from the federal and state governments came with food supplies for us today.

Federal-state help

 

I'm also glad that the authorities, regardless of their political beliefs, race and religion, can actually come together to lend a helping hand," he said. 

 

He also expressed hope that the authorities could also provide medication and extra blankets for senior citizens and children. 

 

According to Pulai Chondong mukim chief Suhaimy Ismail, the Pulau Chondong flood aid operations room had begun distributing relief supplies since 10am.

 

He said all 14 relief centres in the area had received food supplies, including rice, biscuits, bread, canned sardines, sugar, budu (local fish sauce), and other basic necessities, including candy for the children. 

 

"I'm glad to have been able to distribute food supplies to the victims today after strong currents and shortage of boats hampered our efforts earlier. 

 

"We would also like to thank the Fire and Rescue Department, police and other government agencies for helping us today," he said. 

 

– Bernama