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SEGAMAT – The public is reminded not to turn the flood situation into a “festival” as it could put their lives at risk.
Head of Zone 4 of the Johor Fire and Rescue Department Rasidi Md Yunos said this is because the water level in flooded areas rises rapidly, especially near rivers, beaches, mines and lakes.
“Some people turn it into a fest without any sense of guilt by making TikTok videos on social media. This activity is very risky because the safety aspect is neglected.
“This includes not wearing personal protective equipment and safety jackets, as well as letting their young children play in the water.
“This kind of thing should not happen,” he told reporters when met at the Segamat Fire and Rescue Station here today.
He also advised residents in flood-affected areas not to take the risk of braving the floods, because the depth of water and strength of currents during floods are unpredictable and can endanger lives.
“People need to be aware and appreciate their lives, because when there is a flood, we do not know what lies underneath. The depth may be 1m or more than 10m.
“Therefore, my advice to the community is to cooperate and obey the orders of the authorities to prevent untoward incidents,” he said, adding that although residents of affected areas are accustomed to the flood situation, they still need to be vigilant.
Five rivers in the state have exceeded the danger level, namely Sg Muar in Kg Awat which is 21.58m, followed by Sg Muar in Buloh Kasap (11.13m); Sg Segamat in Bandar Segamat (9.91m) and Sg Lenik in Ladang Chaah (6.69m), both in Segamat; and Sg Kesang in Kg Seri Maamor, Tangkak (4.26m).
So far, 101 villages and housing estates in Johor have been affected by floods, with 79 relief centres opened to accommodate 5,598 victims. – Bernama, January 4, 2022