Johor to get 14 mobile water pumps for final wave of monsoon


JOHOR BARU: Johor will receive 14 mobile water pumps in mid-February as part of preparations for the final wave of the monsoon season.

Johor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director Azren Khalil said the final wave usually signals the start of the monsoon transition period and is expected to bring significant rainfall.

“This phenomenon is forecast to occur between late February and early March.

“Receiving the 14 mobile pumps from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) in mid-February is perfectly timed to address this,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Johor currently possesses 49 mobile pumps, some of which are in use and others stored for future deployment.

“All unused pumps are stored on department lorries ready for rapid mobilisation to any part of the state.

“Setting up the pumps typically takes about three hours, and we remain on high alert to deploy them promptly when necessary,” Azren explained.

Some pumps are permanently stationed in rural areas and at tidal control gates located in Pontian, Batu Pahat and Mersing.

Besides the current monsoon, Azren said the department is also concerned with the upcoming southwest monsoon phase.

“Last year, we experienced extreme heat and we expect similar conditions this year.

“It is crucial to begin planning now for water resource conservation, particularly for agricultural and industrial use,” he said.

Johor Climate Change and State Disaster Management Select Committee chairman Anuar Abd Manap said Johor is expected to experience three waves during this monsoon season, with the third wave usually the longest.

“We have just gone through the first wave and are now preparing for the second.

“So far, there have been no reports of asset damage, but if any had occurred, they would usually be handled by the respective agencies,” he said.

The Welfare Department has also made arrangements, including stocking supplies for flood victims at temporary relief centres.

Anuar also said the Johor government is awaiting financial aid from Nadma to help recent flood victims here.

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