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To Malaysia, where days of torrential rain have resulted in the death of at least 27 people while over 70,000 have been displaced.

Some 10,000 of that number have fled their homes in Selangor – the country’s richest state which surrounds the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Officials said they were also looking out for a possible surge in Covid-19 cases as thousands of people have gathered in temporary shelters.

The government has come under fierce criticism due to a slow response and lack of coordination between emergency forces.

Newsday spoke to journalist turned volunteer Ushar Daniele who was shocked by the slow government response:

"As a Malaysia I am frustrated. I am frustrated beyond belief. As a journalist with my personal experience covering many many floods happening in Malaysia this is a yearly thing. This is an annual monsoon flood which usually affects the east-coast of Malaysia. By far this is the worst that has ever happened somewhere too close to the capital city. First the reaction from the authorities were so slow...I think they have poor coordination on their end as well with various agencies, the government agencies needs to get approval from different heads so I think there needs to be better coordination and swift action taken from the authorities".

(Photo: Woman covering child after being rescued by flood waters in Malaysia. Credit: Ushar Daniele)

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