Floods: Johor appeals to other states, Federal Govt for additional personnel to help victims

AYER HITAM: Johor is appealing for help from Putrajaya and other states not affected by floods to channel their personnel as the number of evacuees in the state is increasing.

Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that as the number of affected victims stood at more than 30,000, there was not enough manpower on the ground to provide assistance.

"All personnel from various agencies are giving their all to help flood victims. Even though they are still showing high spirits, they are already exhausted as they have not had a good rest for three days.

"I have requested aid in terms of machinery or personnel from states that are not affected by the floods," he said, adding that the state also would welcome help from the Federal government.

Onn Hafiz said this when met after visiting a temporary relief centre (PPS) at SJKC Yong Peng 1 here on Friday (March 3).

He added that the state government had always mobilised appropriate assistance, even though there were some flood victims who were still unable to receive basic assistance such as comforters, blankets and pillows.

He said all aid was mobilised from the first day of the flood, but the delay was due to the high number of victims seeking shelter at the PPS.

"A lot of aid has now arrived at PPS but if there is still a shortage, it will be resolved immediately.

"Adjustments for aid will be made every day, besides we also get help from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private companies, and individuals who help in terms of clothes and food.

"We thank them for giving such assistance and for the people as a whole, please remain patient, calm, and also steadfast in this quite major test," he said.