KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) has sent a total of 1,000 basic aid packages and 400 volunteers to five flood-affected locations.
The assistance effort included 100 students from Umno Siswa, supported by BN Youth, Women and Puteri divisions.
The mission utilised seven four-wheel-drive vehicles, two vans and 15 lorries to transport essential items such as food, drinks, clothing and hygiene supplies.
The aid will be distributed to flood victims in five affected areas in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
The flagging-off ceremony for the aid mission was held during the coalition's Golden Jubilee celebration, which was attended by chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at World Trade Centre (WTC) here today.
Zahid, who is deputy prime minister, said this commitment to serving all Malaysians had put aside timing or circumstances.
"Barisan Nasional has always provided consistent assistance to the people, whether before or after elections. We are a coalition that does not act seasonally; our service to the people and the community is ongoing," he said.
He also said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had forecast a second wave of rain beginning tomorrow, which might severely impact Pahang and Johor and, as such, he hoped that it would not be as devastating as the first wave.
He added that during the peak of the recent floods on Dec 1, 153,000 individuals from 45,000 families were affected.
"In total, assistance (by the government) has been extended to 222,000 flood victims to date and we have deployed resources, and the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will coordinate efforts with non-governmental organisations nationwide to ensure swift and effective relief operations."
He also commended NGOs for their significant role in assisting with recovery efforts and urged continued collaboration to minimise the impact of the floods.