He said based on projections by the Meteorological Department (Met Dept), the heavy rain phenomenon is expected to last until February for most towns in the north-west coast states.
“We have also learnt that the phenomenon will shift to Sabah and Sarawak at the end of the year,” he said at a press conference at SK Bertam Indah, Kepala Batas, here today.
Earlier, Zahid, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, state executive councillors, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim and state Umno leaders visited flood victims in Kepala Batas.
Zahid also urged the Met Dept to give warnings seven days in advance so that disaster relief workers could prepare earlier.
He said under the Met Dept’s current policy, they are to alert states three days in advance of bad weather.
Zahid said if earlier notice was given, evacuation could have been expedited. He said the Penang flash floods episode was a lesson to all.
He gave the current flood-related disaster preparedness in Penang a seven out of 10, saying more could be done.
“Nevertheless, despite differing in views and politics, we will work together to help the flood victims in Penang.
“The federal government’s collaboration and help is for the sake of all flood victims and as fellow Malaysians,” Zahid said.
Last Saturday’s floods caused almost all parts of Penang to be under water, with the number forced out of their homes soaring up to 3,500 today. Seven have been reported killed so far.
Flood relief is on the way to victims at centres, with military, police and civil defence mobilising them.