BATU PAHAT: Johor has called for manpower assistance from the federal government and states unaffected by floods as the existing number of workers could not cope with the extraordinary flood situation in the state.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said as of 1pm today, all 10 districts have been hit by floods and the number of evacuees has risen to over 33,000.
He said since the floods hit last Monday all agencies have struggled to help out, but several of the workers are worn out by now as some have not slept for three days.
“They have been working so hard and I pity them. I urge for additional assistance in terms of machinery or personnel from other states not hit by floods, from the Social Welfare Department and so forth,“ he said after visiting the relief centre at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Yong Peng 1, today.
On claims that aid to victims was delayed, Onn Hafiz called on flood victims to be patient as all agencies have been mobilised from the very first day and the workers were overwhelmed by the increasing number of victims.
Onn Hafiz said aid has arrived at the relief centres but if the supplies are still insufficient the matter would be resolved immediately, while thanking non-governmental organisations and private companies that have come forward to help.
“We will be distributing aid every day apart from the contribution of food and clothes from donors,” he said while urging the people of Johor to remain strong and calm in the face of calamity. - Bernama
