JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has intensified preparations for a potential second wave of floods, ensuring that all 1,109 temporary relief centres are stocked with food and essential supplies for evacuees.
State Women, Family, and Community Development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the Johor Welfare Department has finalised the necessary preparations for the monsoon season.
"The department is among the key agencies that will be assisting the flood victims," she told the New Straits Times.
The department has been tasked with the responsibilities to manage and coordinate the relief centres, register evacuees, and also to provide counselling and psychological support.
To ensure the evacuees' comfort, the department will supply freshly cooked meals and essential items such as showering-kits, baby and adult diapers, blankets, pillows, towels, and sanitary napkins.
Khairin-Nisa said some 200 food suppliers to provide freshly-cooked meals at relief centres were appointed.
Two disaster storage facilities for essential items in Jalan Abdul Rahman in Muar and Kompleks Penyayang in Kempas were also on standby, while resources are also maintained at 16 mini stores and nine main district storage centres.
Khairin-Nisa also said measures were in place to ensure that there will be uninterrupted supply of food and essentials to the relief centres.
She called upon non-government organisations and the private sector, who plan to contribute to the victims, to coordinate their contributions through the Welfare Department or the disaster operations control centre.
"NGOs and donors should not deliver items directly to relief centres.
"Coordination through the proper channels would ensure that the supply chain remains efficient, prevents wastage, and guarantees that all victims receive the assistance they need," she said.
Khairin-Nisa, who recently paid a working visit to Kampung Kesang in Sungai Mati, Muar, said the visit was to assess the flood situation as the villagers were not evacuated during the recent flash floods.
"While some houses were inundated by the floods, the situation was under control. However, I urge residents to evacuate immediately if instructed," she said.
She added that the state government welcomes contributions but emphasised its important to maintain a well-organised system to manage aid distribution effectively.
Currently, 139 flood victims are being housed in three relief centres with 40 victims at the Balairaya Kampung Batu Badak and 45 in Dewan Komuniti Kg Tasek, both in Jementah in Segamat, while in Ledang in Tangkak, 54 victims are seeking shelter at SK Simpang Lima Darat.