More than 160,000 displaced by worst-ever floods in Malaysia

The number of the people displaced in Malaysia due to the worst-ever flooding in the country has risen to over 160,000.

The new number was announced on Saturday, indicating a sharp increase from 100,000 a day before, according to a report by New Straits Times newspaper.

Severe flooding inundated the northeastern states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang over the past week. Rising flood waters have blocked several roads and left train services suspended in some of the worst-affected areas.

The death toll from the flood currently stands at five, according to Malaysian authorities.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak visited the northeastern state of Kelantan, which faces serious problems among eight affected states, on Saturday. He ended his vacation with US President Barack Obama in Hawaii on Friday.

Najib has announced an aid package of around USD 143.31 million to help the victims of the disaster, following an initial allotment of USD 14.33 million in aid.

Although people in Malaysia expect heavy Monsoon rains, the extent of the recent rainfall – the worst in four decades – has surprised officials.

Every year, Malaysia’s coastal states experience floods, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes.