Thousands flee Malaysia floods

2009-01-04 10:26

Kuala Lumpur - Floods in central and northern Malaysia have forced the evacuation of nearly 3 000 people, with dozens of relief centres set up to shelter those displaced, state media said on Sunday.

Two landslides have also occurred in the Cameron Highlands, a popular tourist destination and tea-growing area, a spokesperson for the Pahang police flood operations room said.

The state Bernama news agency quoted the spokesperson as saying that roads closed by the landslide had now been cleared of debris and reopened to traffic.

With Malaysia's rainy season in full swing, some 2 514 people have been evacuated in central Pahang state, and 26 relief centres set up, the spokesperson added.

In northern Terengganu state, some 471 people have been evacuated and three relief centres set up after several villages were inundated, Bernama reported.

- AFP