KOTA TINGGI – With the town centre here still inundated and the nearby Sg Johor at dangerous levels, residents feel helpless as floods are almost an annual occurrence.
For now, the bridge that leads into town sees heavy army presence. Most residents, including those who want to return home or to check on their businesses, are not allowed to cross due to safety reasons.
Armed forces personnel here told The Vibes that flood levels in the town are lower than yesterday but remain waist-deep.
Meanwhile, a police officer said given that it is still raining, the rising waters in Sg Sedili will eventually flow into Sg Johor and Kota Tinggi.
So far, rescue personnel are continuing operations here, but are focused on providing food and necessities to residents who chose to remain in their homes and shops.
Hardware shop operator Low Hong Yu said floods are common here and happen at least once every one or two years.
He added that he is unable to get to his shop but expects losses to amount to RM100,000.
“This is normal for us, it happens once every one to two years. Politicians during elections will make promises to resolve this issue, but things haven’t changed.”
Food trader Suhaimi Rahim has a different view, saying there is nothing much that can be done to solve flooding in Kota Tinggi given the town’s location.
He added that it is fortunate the floods are not as bad as the one in 2006. However, Suhaimi was still unable to get to his home or business this time around.
“When there is continuous rain, it will always flood here so we’re used to it.
“But it’s not as bad as before and there’s not much the government can do. I think they have raised the barriers at the riverbank and improved drainage.
“So far, the flood response is good, NGOs are providing food and the government has opened enough relief centres for residents.”
The floods have affected nine districts in Johor, 37,322 victims as of 8am today with 238 temporary evacuation centres in operation.
Meanwhile, MetMalaysia issued warnings for continuous heavy rainfall in Rompin, Pahang, as well as Segamat, Kluang, and Mersing in Johor.
A severe-level heavy rain warning has also been issued for Pekan, Pahang, and several areas in Johor (Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, and Johor Baru) until tomorrow. – The Vibes, March 4, 2023
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