KUCHING: Putrajaya has mobilised the police and the military to help with the Penang flood situation, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the personnel forces were deployed at 8.30am Sunday to help with rescue and relief operations.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the National Security Council was notified immediately after he received a distress call from Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at about 3.30am.

"He called me at 3.34am. I have instructed the National Security Council director-general to coordinate with the police and the military.

"At about 8.30am this morning, the whole unit has been mobilised to assist flood victims," Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, told reporters at the "1Ekspresi Negaraku" programme here.

Lim, in his Facebook post, called on Penangnites to remain calm and patient as help is on the way from the military.

According to Lim, floodwaters rose to 10 to 12 feet, which is above roof-level of some houses in certain parts of the island.

Over in PETALING JAYA, Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said they have deployed a few hundred personnel to assist in flood relief and rescue efforts in Penang.

"We have already deployed our personnel to Penang due to the gravity of the situation.

"Our commander is on the ground to assess whether additional manpower and assets are needed," he said when contacted.

"Military personnel from all wings of the Armed Forces are always ready to take action to ensure that flood relief efforts run smoothly.

"We will assist in any way that we can," he said.