Johor govt allocated RM59mil for flood preparations during monsoon season, says MB

JOHOR BARU: The state government has allocated RM59mil for river and drainage mitigation maintenance and upgrading works as a preparation for floods during the monsoon season, says Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad (pic).

He added that all government agencies have also made preparations in terms of manpower and the deployment of assets to the affected locations.

“I have been briefed by the state disaster management committee on Friday (Dec 24) and I am happy to inform you that we are ready to face any possible outcome that may emerge due to the current rainy season," said Hasni.

He said that this includes temporary relief centres (PPS) and PPS for those who are under Covid-19 quarantine.

“All of this is done to ensure that we can act fast through a controlled line of command,” he said when met by reporters after the Umno Johor Baru flood aid flag-off ceremony at the Johor Umno headquarters here on Saturday (Dec 25).

Hasni said that the allocation will be distributed to the local councils as soon as possible to conduct the upgrading work, especially in areas that have been identified as hotspots.

“There might be routes that are considered vital and might have the chance to be inundated during heavy rainfall so we hope we can act fast to prevent this from happening,” he added.

Hasni also informed that joint agency training will also be conducted to ensure smooth coordination between all government agencies and authorities.

“We want to provide help as immediately as we can and at the same time we have also ensured that each PPS is following the standard operating procedures imposed by the Health Ministry,” said Hasni.

Meanwhile, on the programme, Hasni - who is also the state Umno chief - said that he hoped that the aid could help ease some of the burden faced by the flood victims in Selangor.

“The items brought today are donated by our members and the public who are deeply concerned about the fate of their fellow Malaysians,” he said, adding that it is a good sign that members of the public are willing to help out each other in times of need.