JOHOR BARU: Around 100 volunteers have been mobilised to flood locations in Johor to assist with the rescue and food distribution efforts.
Moving in teams, the MCA Crisis Relief Squad (CRSM) covered Segamat, the worst-hit area in the state, Tangkak, Ayer Hitam, Kluang and Johor Baru.
They have distributed more than 1,000 packs of basic provisions, 1,000 bottles of hand sanitisers, 800 rolls of bread and 200 packs of cooked food.
Johor MCA disaster management committee chairman Datuk Ng Keng Heng said 200 boxes of 50-piece face masks and 200 cartons of mineral water were also distributed from Jan 1-4 at various flood relief centres.
“We have been monitoring the situation daily after the Meteorology Department warned of bad weather at the end of December and the teams, along with our assets of five boats and 20 four-wheel-drive vehicles, were put on standby.
“We also emphasise on post-flood efforts as people will need help with the cleaning up especially at schools and other public places,” he said.
Ng said the teams would visit housing areas such as Kampung Paya Lebar in Segamat to help the victims ease the process of moving back to their homes.
“The volunteers will distribute another round of supplies once the victims return home from the relief centres to support them while they get back on their feet.
“I have also reported our effort to Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad when he visited the Kampung Tandong flood relief centre in Buloh Kasap, Segamat, with the prime minister on Tuesday,” said Ng, who is the Johor MCA secretary.
He said the recently-formed disaster management committee would be on alert to provide help during future floods or other disasters.
“We have teams stationed at three main areas – north (Bukit Kepong, Muar), central (Ayer Hitam) and south (Kota Tinggi) which are flood-prone areas – to immediately send out help when needed,” he said.
Ng also encouraged interested donors and individuals to sign up as volunteers to assist in the future by contacting him via WhatsApp at 011-6251 5678.