Making a difference: CRSM volunteers checking their equipment in preparation of the north-east monsoon. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: With the north-east monsoon entering a more active phase, more than 500 volunteers under MCA’s Johor Crisis Relief Squad (CRSM) have been placed on standby to respond swiftly to potential flooding across the state.
State CRSM chief Tai Chee How said drawing on past experience, the state is vulnerable to flooding when prolonged rainfall coincides with high tides, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
“At the moment, only Mersing is experiencing floods involving close to 400 evacuees but conditions have not reached a critical stage.
“As part of early preparations, we held a coordination meeting to ensure volunteers, equipment and aid can be mobilised without delay.
“To streamline operations, each team has been appointed a commander and three deputies overseeing Johor’s northern, central and southern zones,” he said.
Tai added that 127 MCA local councillors have agreed to contribute a portion of their state government incentive payments to strengthen the volunteer squad’s disaster relief fund.
He said this was to ensure the volunteer force is financially ready to act when needed.
“City councillors will contribute RM300 each, while municipal councillors will contribute RM200.
“This will provide the volunteer squad with initial funds for relief operations.”
Johor CRSM publicity unit chief Chan San San said beyond the volunteers and assets, the squad also plays a coordinating role by linking up with other NGOs and businesses.
“This way, we can provide supplies, transport, boats or additional equipment when the situation warrants it.
“We are also closely monitoring the floods in Pahang where more than 11,000 people were displaced so far,” she said.
Based on previous patterns, Chan said floods in Johor typically occur towards the end of December and into January.
“But we will be on standby as rainfall has been intermittent over the past few days.
“We also brought in new volunteers to work alongside experienced responders to build a stronger pool of trained disaster relief personnel within the community,” she added.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, continuous rain warnings remain in place for Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang while strong winds and rough seas are expected over the South China Sea until Dec 22.
