Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who earlier received heavy criticism for being in the US while the flood situation hit disastrous proportions in the East Coast, has now ordered all cabinet ministers who are on vacation overseas to return home to assist in the flood operations.

According to Bernama , Najib issued the directive this morning and the ministers concerned are reportedly now making preparations to return to Malaysia.     

"This decision was made so that they could work to assist in the flood rescue and relief operations," he tells a news conference after visiting the flood relief centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Padang Tengku, Kuala Lipis, today.     

The PM arrived from the US directly to Kelantan yesterday to observe the situation firsthand, landing directly from a private flight from his holiday in the USA where he was notoriously caught in the media glare having a round of gold with US President Barack Obama.

According to Bernama , the PM also admitted he was on his family vacation , saying his family was sorry he had to return home to attend to the flood situation.

Najib today moved on to Pahang which has been severely affected by the floods as well.

He was seen visiting the flood evacuation centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Clifford in Kuala Lipis, which is housing some 315 people.

In his speech, Najib urged them to be patient in facing the disaster, as state and federal agencies work closely to help ease their burden.