Azizul says Kampung Paya Redan was the first village rescuers would head to during flooding.
VILLAGERS living beside Sungai Tiram near Ulu Tiram are hoping that efforts to deepen the river will reduce the risk of major floods during the monsoon season this year.
Tiram assemblyman Azizul Bachok said one of the badly affected locations was Kampung Paya Redan that was cut off after the river water rose to a dangerous level in March.
“About 20 victims were rescued from the village by boat. Usually when it rains, this is the first location we head to for rescue efforts.
Mohd Afiff says agencies will have to be on the lookout at sevenhotspots during the monsoon.“If we don’t go first, it will be harder to send help to them as the village can only be accessed by boat or army truck later.”
Azizul added that the flash flood in Kampung Jalan Mak Piah on Nov 1 affected 101 villagers from 31 families living near the river.
“The flooding happened at about 7.30pm when heavy rain coincided with the high tide, causing the village to flood.
“The victims were not allowed to return home as the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) issued a warning of high tide that lasted until 1.30am on Nov 2,” he said.
The families, he said, were placed at the Dewan Sungai Tiram until 5pm before they were allowed to return home.
Johor DID director Azren Khalil said the river-deepening project was conducted about 3km downstream of Sungai Tiram.
“There was a lot of sedimentation in the river, so we dug out some of it to ensure a smooth flow of water.
“The river also has a low gradient, which means the water moves slowly towards the river mouth,” he added.
The river-deepening project was conducted in March and completed in June.
The current works involved clearing debris that prevented river water from flowing, he added.
Plentong sub-district village chief Mohd Afiff Mohd Adzhar said the agencies had been told to be on the lookout at seven hotspots.
They are Kampung Sentosa Damai, Kampung Sentosa Barat, Kampung Pasir Putih, Kampung Masjid Masai, Kampung Bukit Pulai Pasir Putih, Kampung Seri Bahagia, and Kampung Rumah 10.
“The district office is currently building a new drainage system at Kampung Seri Bahagia and Kampung Rumah 10, which is expected to be completed by the end of December.
“These are traditional villages that have no proper drainage, which is why they will be affected by flash floods,” he said.
Mohd Afiff added that the Social Welfare Department would also be conducting background checks to ensure only flood victims are given post-flood financial aid.
“Previously, aid was given to all, but this time it will only be given to those affected by floods and are staying at temporary relief centres,” he said, adding that all will be given food aid.
