Floods: Areas of Johor, Sabah and Pahang told to brace for 'third wave' of monsoon

Armizan (right) being briefed on the flood situation in Segamat district during his visit to the Kampung Tasek temporary relief centre on Jan 25. – BERNAMApic

SEGAMAT: Several areas and districts in Johor, Sabah and Pahang have been told to be prepared for possible floods and high tides from the ongoing north-east monsoon.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said taking into account current rainy conditions, the districts of Muar and Tangkak in Johor are among the locations forecast to be hit by floods soon.

In Sabah, meanwhile, he said areas on the north and east coast including Pitas and Kota Marudu are likely to be hit by high tides as well as flooding.

"The first and second waves of the monsoon occurred in December.

"Although there are no official reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department, heavy rains that began on Tuesday (Jan 24) and are forecast to continue until Jan 30 can be categorised as its third wave.

"As such, all agencies are to identify villages whose residents may need evacuation to temporary relief centres,” he told reporters after a visit to the Kampung Tasek Community Hall relief centre here on Wednesday (Jan 25).

He added that the current focus was on coordinating all disaster management agencies and disseminating information to victims, especially those in relief centres.

"Next would be to ensure the welfare and health of flood victims through the involvement of the Social Welfare Department and the state Health Department,” Armizan said.

As of 2pm, the number of flood victims in Johor alone increased to 4,207 people from 1,164 families currently placed in 45 temporary relief centers in Segamat, Muar, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Batu Pahat and Mersing. – Bernama