Fire Dept asked to prioritise states, districts cut off from supplies: Reezal

SEGAMAT – The Fire and Rescue Department has been asked to prioritise states and districts cut off from supplies due to flooded routes.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said many routes have been affected and there are flood victims who are unable to obtain supplies of basic necessities.

“For instance, I went to Kg Lubok Lanjut, Batu Anam today to present aid but discovered the area was cut off as the route had been flooded to an unknown depth.

“It looked like it had become a really large island and it was challenging to get to the village due to swift currents. When I looked at the map, I was right in the middle of a submerged road,” he said during a media conference at Batu Anam here today.

He said there were 96 families in the village and tidal surges were occurring in the area.

Reezal also said that so far, seven districts in Johor have been hit by floods, including Segamat, Tangkak, Mersing, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, and Batu Pahat.

“I saw that certain areas were flooded as a result of rising waters from Sg Muar and possibly waters from Sg Gemas flowing to Segamat, causing the floodwaters to not recede,” he said.

He added that his ministry would publish educational videos to increase awareness of the dangers of braving floodwaters without the supervision of authorities.

“I found many flood-affected people trying to brave the floodwaters with cars or on their own without conducting a risk assessment.

“Trying to brave floodwaters in a vehicle could cause the vehicle to be overturned by strong currents  and endanger your own lives,” he added. – Bernama, January 3, 2022