In a Facebook post, the rural and regional development minister reminded such leaders that the people who had elected them to public office were suffering.

“This is where the people will judge their (leaders) sincerity,” he said in a veiled criticism of Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

Earlier this week, netizens questioned the PAS leader’s “absence” as the flood situation worsened in the state and tens of thousands of flood victims were evacuated to safety at relief centres.

A state exco member, Hanafiah Mat was reported to have said that Samsuri was on holiday with his family in Auckland, New Zealand and had been scheduled to return home on Dec 22.

Samsuri has since apologised for his absence.

The massive floods that hit the east coast have claimed five lives so far, with a three-year-old child in Terengganu being the first casualty.

Meanwhile, Zahid also said deforestation activities should be stopped and drainage systems should be properly maintained to prevent flash floods.

“This is important so that flash floods do not occur in city centres or even in rural areas.

“Maintaining a good drainage system should be a habit and not be given priority only during the flood season,” he added.