Johor floods: Extra RM150mil for restoration works, PM directs all ministries to help

PETALING JAYA: All government machinery are urged to help in post-flood operations in Johor, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as the Finance Ministry has approved an additional allocation of RM150 million for this.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said this was decided at the Cabinet meeting earlier today which focused on helping flood victims in the state.

"The Cabinet gave priority to this issue and decided that all government machinery should be involved in the post-flood programmes and projects in Johor," he told a press conference after the meeting.

Anwar said the government has distributed RM1,000 cash aid to a total of 16,167 households of flood victims and would continue assisting them through post-flood relief programmes.

"Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had gone to Johor to identify specific projects related to the floods.

"I have also asked Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to provide assistance for the post-flood relief work in Johor," he said.

However, Anwar urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs), universities and volunteers to go to the ground and help the affected families because the task is too heavy for the Johor machinery to deal alone.

"The post-flood operations now require many volunteers and basic needs and equipment like water jets. The government will help supply more of these necessities," he said.

According to Anwar, a total of 82,831 victims were moved to temporary relief centres (PPS) in Johor during the floods, and 26,879 evacuees were still at 102 PPS in the state.