The government will provide an allocation to rebuild the homes of Langkawi residents who were hit by flash floods on Thursday, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said the work would be carried out as soon as possible so that they could go back to their normal lives.

“We will provide the funding for the repairs so that they can return to their homes,” he told a press conference after visiting victims sheltered at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Teriang in Langkawi today.

According to information obtained by Bernama from the Civil Defence Force (APM), 49 houses were badly damaged in the 4pm disaster.

There are 207 victims sheltered at SK Kuala Teriang and the number is expected to rise as there are still those who have not registered with APM.

Dr Mahathir, who is also the Member of Parliament for Langkawi, also thanked government agencies, corporate bodies and individuals for coming to the aid of the victims.

Dr Mahathir, who was accompanied by his wife Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Kuah assemblyman Mohd Firdaus Ahmad and Ayer Hangat assemblyman Juhari Bulat, also handed out contributions to the victims sheltered there.

Meanwhile, Juhari told Bernama that RM595,526 would be needed to repair 42 of the damaged houses.

“We have also suggested that the Malaysian Armed Forces be enlisted for the task under their Jiwa Murni initiative,” he said.

- Bernama