JOHOR BARU: The state government has requested more water pumps from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) in other states to be sent to flood-affected districts in Johor, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said Batu Pahat remains the worst affected district due to stagnant floodwaters, despite improvement in the other areas.
“The flood situation has gradually improved, and the water level in some areas has started to recede. However, Batu Pahat remains the main challenge due to the stagnant floodwaters.
“There are even new relief centres (PPS) that were opened today (March 10), and I will be there to chair the state district disaster management committee meeting,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after launching the 32nd Johor Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair at the Austin International Convention Centre, here.
Onn Hafiz added that water pumps from other states have been mobilised to Batu Pahat and other districts in Johor.
At the moment, DID had installed nine water pumps in the affected districts, such as Johor Baru, Batu Pahat, Mersing, and Pontian.
“We were informed that there will be a high-tide phenomenon in the coming two days, so we have made early preparations to pump out any excess water, besides ensuring that the welfare of the victims is well taken care of,” he added.
Asked if the state government had the total estimated loss caused by the recent floods, Onn Hafiz said the final figure - involving damage to roads and agricultural farms - has yet to be finalised.
“The cost of damage has not reached hundreds of millions of ringgit yet, but if we were to include the flood mitigation project, the cost would reach billions of ringgit,” he said.
The Johor MB added he hopes the Federal Government would allocate the cost of repairs for the sake of Johoreans.
