Khairin-Nisa (left) handing aid to flood victims at a PPS in Iskandar Puteri.
Johor Welfare Department (JKM) has set up more than 1,000 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) across the state as part of its preparations for the monsoon season.
State women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the department had been working closely with other government agencies to ensure efficient rescue operations and swift delivery of aid to those affected.
She added that 1,109 centres had been inspected and could accommodate up to 275,973 flood victims.
To support relief efforts, 205 food suppliers have been appointed to provide meals for evacuees.
Additionally, the department has prepared 11,530 collapsible tents and 13,450 ready-to-eat meals.
“A total of 360 Welfare Department officers and 765 volunteers are on standby to assist flood victims,” Khairin-Nisa said when contacted.
In October, the state government distributed 1,341 food aid packages to rural areas, Mersing islands and Orang Asli settlements.
“This included 425 packages in Segamat, 745 in Mersing and 171 in Kluang,” she added.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said for 2025, the state government had allocated RM70mil to resolve flooding issues in 83 flood-prone areas.
“Since 2022, Johor has established a flood hotspot task force to coordinate efforts among 16 local councils to handle related issues effectively.
“We have taken proactive steps to mitigate floods, including detailed planning and budgeting to address these challenges,” he said.
He added that in 2023, the state had identified 119 hotspots and carried out 123 flood mitigation projects at a cost of RM54mil.
This year, 65 hotspots have been targetted with 126 planned projects and RM53mil allocated.
“Overall, 332 flood mitigation projects covering 221 hotspots are planned for 2023 to 2025, with a total budget of RM179mil.
“Our initiatives include upgrading monsoon drains, cleaning retention ponds and raising drain height in critical areas,” Mohd Jafni elaborated.
Upgrades to drainage systems in Johor Baru had significantly reduced flash floods, particularly in areas such as Wisma Persekutuan which experienced severe flooding two years ago, he added.
