In late November 2024, Malaysia was struck by one of the worst flood disasters in recent years triggered by intense and prolonged rainfall brought by the Northeast Monsoon. The disaster escalated across nine states ; Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Perak, Melaka, and Perlis affecting livelihoods, damaging homes and displacing tens of thousands.
On 29 November alone, three meteorological stations recorded record-breaking rainfall: Besut, Terengganu (566.1 mm), Pasir Puteh, Kelantan (476.3 mm) and Setiu, Terengganu (450.4 mm). By 2 December, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) reported over 137,000 people affected. This flooding was described by the Deputy Prime Minister as the worst since 2014. A total of 633 temporary evacuation centres were opened, hosting over 40,000 families. Tragically, six lives were lost in Kelantan and Terengganu.
Despite some improvement in weather conditions by 4 December, dangerously high river levels and the threat of another monsoon surge forecasted between 6–9 December continued to pose risks. In Kelantan, more than 43,000 individuals remained displaced with Pasir Mas and Tumpat being the hardest-hit. In Terengganu, over 14,000 evacuees were sheltered in 59 centres. Floodwaters severely disrupted infrastructure, cutting off access to many communities and delaying aid delivery, especially in remote areas like Rantau Panjang.
The agriculture sector also suffered massive losses. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) reported damages worth RM19 million (USD 4.2 million), including the loss of rice crops valued at nearly RM9 million, affecting over 760 farmers across more than 1,600 hectares. This came at a time when the national rice supply had already declined due to drought, exacerbating food security challenges.
In response to this national emergency, the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) mobilised rapid emergency relief and resilience support across the most affected districts in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
Recognising that every family’s needs are unique, MRCS implemented a targeted cash and voucher assistance programme to support recovery:
Each household received up to RM700, with eligible families receiving RM900 in total. This initiative empowered communities to make informed choices in their recovery journey.
Beyond financial relief, MRCS provided essential support to increase community preparedness and resilience:
These efforts not only helped restore daily life but also equipped communities for future disasters.
This programme was made possible through the support of generous partners and donors. MRCS extends heartfelt appreciation to corporate contributors — Coway, IHH Healthcare, Daikin, and CIMB Bank — and international partners including the Canadian High Commission, Swiss Red Cross, Singapore Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Together, we provided over RM3 million in direct support to more than 3,000 families affected by the floods. All aid recipients were identified following thorough assessments in coordination with local authorities to ensure that support reached those most in need.
As we continue to face the increasing impacts of climate change, MRCS remains committed to not only providing immediate humanitarian relief but also building the resilience of vulnerable communities. Our efforts are rooted in the principles of humanity, impartiality, and solidarity — ensuring no one is left behind.
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