MCA president Liow Tiong Lai together with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak visited flood victims and affected areas in Penang today.

Liow, who is also transport minister, met with residents who have been moved to shelters.

“I have come here together with my MCA team to extend whatever help I can in this time of crisis. This is not about politics but a humanitarian effort,” he said.

“This is not about MCA or DAP but the lives of people. Such efforts should be above political divisions.

“I want Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to know that he can count on me as a friend during this hour of need,” he told Malaysiakini.

Liow also said that MCA had dispatched some 800 volunteers through its CRSM team to assist.

“MCA had dispatched about 800 volunteers through our CRSM (Crisis Relief Squad of MCA) team to assist the victims at this hour of need,” he added.

This morning, Liow, Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor landed at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Butterworth and were greeted by Lim.

In a press statement later, Liow said MCA has increased its manpower from 215 volunteers to 618.

He revealed that MCA has also arranged to send 1,500 mattresses to flood-stricken areas in Penang and Kedah.

“It is estimated that the deliveries will arrive tonight to help ease the catastrophe. MCA is currently actively assisting Penangites in cleaning up their homes and in flood relief works.

“We also visited an evacuation centre located at SK Sungai Dua. It is our hope that the school may recommence classes and operations soon,” he said.

Liow also thanked all NGOs which have come forward to lend their assistance.

“Such actions embody the spirit of human friendship...MCA also wishes to thank all volunteers. They deserve our commendation in assisting residents in the disaster-hit areas,” he added.