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Kuala Lumpur, 8 October 2020 – The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) urges the public to be prepared to protect their assets from possible flood damage and other natural disasters, in preparation of the monsoon transition phase which commenced on 24 September 2020 and expected to last till end November 2020. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the monsoon transition period will bring along thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in a short period of time, especially in the evening and early nights in most states on the west coast and the interior of the peninsula, west coast of Sabah as well as western and central parts of Sarawak.
PIAM would like to advise members of the public to review their insurance policies with their insurers or insurance agents to establish if the cover provided is sufficient to mitigate any serious financial impact due to flood losses and damages. Businesses and individuals can take up affordable insurance products offered by insurance companies to protect themselves and their businesses against such losses.
All insurance policyholders, both businesses and individuals, located at flood-stricken areas are therefore advised to check their fire and motor policies to determine whether they are covered for loss or damage resulting from the floods. While standard motor and fire policies exclude coverage against losses caused by natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, cover for flood-related loss or damage is optional and can be purchased as an extension to these standard policies.
PIAM also recommends the following preparatory measures during the wet season, for consumers who are located in flood prone or low lying areas:-
- Prepare waterproof containers for valuables and important documents
- Be ready to evacuate to higher ground if you are staying at low lying areas
- When evacuating secure your furniture and empty the refrigerator and cupboards, and leave the doors ajar
- Electrical appliances which can be carried should be moved to higher ground
- Disconnect electrical appliances which cannot be carried
- Take care of personal hygiene by ensuring drinking water is boiled
- Stay away from fallen power lines or buildings which are flooded
Policyholders who are experiencing a flooding incident are advised to contact their respective insurance companies as the circumstances of each case/claim are different.
PIAM would also like to remind consumers to remain vigilant and mindful of their personal hygiene and health as we continue to ride the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us all do our parts in order to help fight and break this contagious chain of COVID-19.
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