Floods: Johor govt to consider using mosques as relief centres

Johor Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Zaiton Ismail says the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) is on standby to respond to any floods or other disasters.

JOHOR BARU: The Johor government is looking at using mosques as alternative flood relief centres if floods were to hit the state.

Johor Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Zaiton Ismail said mosques near the affected areas would be the next option, if the designated temporary flood relief centres are packed with evacuees.

“The terrible floods happening in Selangor and other states have given the state government a heads up to stay prepared,” she said.

Zaiton added that the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) has been on standby at the end of the year to respond to any floods or other disasters as this is the period when heavy rain typically occurs,

“We have an adequate supply of tents, dried food and basic items such as towels and mats,” she said when met at the Community Development Department (Kemas) excellence award held here on Monday (Dec 20).

She added that all JKM staff throughout the state have been told to stay alert in order to act fast in the event of any floods in the state.

She also advised the people to pack their important documents and valuables in a safe and accessible place.

“Tune into the news and follow instructions of governmental agencies when told to evacuate, do not risk your safety by staying put in flooded areas,” Zaiton added.