IGP: 30 teams from Cantas Squad deployed to stop looting and stealing in flood-hit areas
SHAH ALAM: Bukit Aman has deployed 30 teams from the Criminal Investigation Dept’s Cantas squad to curb looting and stealing in flooded areas, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
The Inspector-General of Police said the teams, totalling 120 officers and personnel, were deployed following seven cases reported in Selangor.
“Four cases were reported in Shah Alam, two in North Klang and one in South Klang.
“We are aware that there are those who are taking advantage of the disaster by looting and stealing.
“The Cantas team will ensure that such crimes do not reoccur,” he told a press conference at the flood operations centre in Taman Sri Muda on Thursday (Dec 23).
On an attempt to steal vehicles affected by the floods, the IGP said a tow-truck driver has been arrested.
He advised those who have no food or necessities to go to flood operations centres set up in their respective areas.
“These centres have enough food and supplies. Flood victims, be they Malaysians or foreigners, can come and take it,” he said.
Asked about claims that the MERS 999 hotline could not be reached during the floods, Acryl Sani said he would check on it.
“The hotline is supposed to be reachable at all times. I will find out more,” he said.
So far, a total of 68,341 flood victims have been placed at 396 temporary relief centres around the country, he added.
According to the IGP, seven states and territories had been affected by floods, namely Pahang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Kelantan, involving 30 police districts.
“A total of 37 deaths were recorded while 10 others are still missing,” he said.
On alleged discrepancies in flood death statistics among agencies, Acryl Sani said police statistics are based on police reports, whereby each death must be reported according to the Criminal Procedure Code.
He also said that according to the Drainage and Irrigation Department, there are 23 locations where rivers are either at danger or warning levels.
“A total of 66,015 personnel from various agencies have been deployed at flood-hit areas around the country.
“More than 1,600 boats have been mobilised for rescue missions and to send supplies to victims. More assets will be deployed when the need arises,” he said.