KOTA TINGGI – Residents here have been told to be ready to evacuate in case of flooding, following predictions of heavy rain in Johor this weekend.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there are 65 flood hotspots in the Kota Tinggi district where residents have been advised to stay vigilant and to pay attention to forecasts issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
The minister, who was inspecting relief centres here today, said he was told of residents who were still reluctant to evacuate to temporary relief centres despite being advised to do so when floods struck the district four days ago.
“I would like to advise them not to (refuse) when the rescue teams arrive at their residences because if the rescue teams have arrived, it means the rescue mission has already begun,” Bernama reported Saifuddin as saying.
“The evacuation orders are issued to prevent any safety risks and unforeseen incidents,” he added after visiting relief centres set up at the Kota Tinggi Vocational Hall and Dewan Kota Kecil Kota Tinggi.
Kota Tinggi has been the worst-affected district in the state, although the situation improved slightly today based on a drop in the number of people in relief shelters, which was 4,139 as of 6pm.
However, earlier today, MetMalaysia issued a warning of continuous rain at an alert level for Johor from Saturday to Sunday (January 13 to 14).
The districts that will be affected in Johor are Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru.
MetMalaysia urged the public to always refer to its website and official social media accounts, as well as download the myCuaca application, for up-to-date and verified information.
As to looting or robberies at flooded premises where occupants have evacuated, Saifuddin said police had not received any such reports. – January 11, 2024