Civil Defence prepared for floods in Johor

A villager wading through flood waters at Kampung Sungai Kemang, Kota Tinggi, Johor on Jan 10. — NUR AISYAH MAZALAN/The Star

THE Johor Civil Defence Force (APM) has 400 officers and personnel on standby round-the-clock to assist with disaster management during the monsoon season.

Johor APM director Kolonel Kamal Mokhtar said the officers and personnel — part of the total manpower of 4,904 — were stationed across the state.

“We have divided the workforce into three main zones, namely the southern zone (Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Pontian and Kulai), middle zone (Kluang, Batu Pahat and Mersing) and northern zone (Muar, Segamat and Tangkak).

“We have also have 117 emergency vehicles and rescue equipment, including boats, four-wheel drives, ambulance, three-tonne lorries, five-tonne lorries and one amphibious boat on standby, ” he told StarMetro.

He added that APM was equipped with 2,140 safety jackets and collapsible tents to be used when transferring flood victims from affected areas to temporary relief centres (PPS).

Kamal also reminded flood victims to be aware of possible encounters with wild animals during the flood.

“Usually when it rains or floods, animals such as snakes will try to find a place where they can protect themselves.

“Always be on alert when returning to your homes from the PPS or when at home during the monsoon season, ” he said, adding that the public should contact the emergency 999 hotline if they required assistance.

Kamal said Johor experienced three types of flood, namely the monsoon flood, flash flood and high-tide flood.

“The monsoon flood usually occurs between November and March due to the high volume of rain, while flash floods occur due to heavy rain in one place which results in sudden rise in water level.

“The high-tide flood occurs when the sea water level rises beyond the river water level, ” he explained.

He said Johor residents could contact APM at 07-234 7363 for Johor Baru, 06-954 5992 (Muar), 07-7731 338 (Kluang), 07-799 8363 (Mersing), 07-688 2246 (Pontian), 07-932 1488 (Segamat), 07-4300 817 (Batu Pahat), 07-880 1375 (Kota Tinggi) and 06-975 1181 (Tangkak).