Johor government should provide housing to flood victims whose homes were destroyed in the recent floods.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) councillor for the Johor Jaya and Taman Rinting zone, Chan San San, said some victims’ houses were now uninhabitable.
“I respectfully request that the state government provide temporary housing in low-cost flats or public housing projects until these victims can secure permanent accommodation,” she said during the MBJB full board meeting at Menara Aqabah, Johor Baru.
Chan added that this was to ensure that victims did not have to stay at temporary evacuation centres (PPS) for an extended period.
She also said PPS should be fully accessible to people with disabilities and senior citizens.
“These centres should be equipped with essential facilities such as wheelchair ramps, special toilets, orthopaedic mattresses and basic healthcare treatment areas.
“I also propose that each centre have at least two trained personnel to assist these vulnerable groups,” she added.
Chan also suggested that flood-prone areas be reviewed so that better flood mitigation measures could be implemented.
“Institutions with expertise in hydrology and environmental engineering could conduct in-depth studies using digital mapping technology and computer simulation models.
“These studies will help identify new water catchment areas, analyse water flow patterns and propose more efficient drainage systems based on the latest scientific data.”
Councillor Datuk Yahya Jaafar, who is in charge of Bandar Baru Uda, called for intensified efforts to clean rivers and drains through close cooperation between MBJB, Drainage and Irrigation Department, SWM Environment and the appointed contractors.
“While these agencies frequently conduct cleaning operations in known flood-prone areas, a special monitoring team should be established to ensure works meet required standards.”
He also pointed out that inadequate and inefficient drainage systems had worsened the problem.
“Many drains and rivers are clogged due to illegal waste dumping.
“Rapid urban development without proper environmental planning has disrupted the hydrological balance,” Yahya added.
“Activities such as hill cutting, unsuitable land use and the reduction of natural water catchment areas have led to soil erosion and water flow disruptions,” he said.
He added that the continuous heavy rainfall over two days had caused severe flooding and unprecedented traffic congestion due to impassable main roads.
“This congestion resulted in city residents taking between four and seven hours to reach their homes that day,” he said.
