Beset with floods, MB says Johor welcomes aid from federal govt and other states
BATU PAHAT, March 3 — The Johor government said today it welcomes any assistance from the federal government and states that are not affected by floods as the state agencies struggle to cope with a recent surge in flood victims.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state’s agencies have been working hard to render assistance since Monday and many of the personnel are exhausted as the situation worsens.
“We have sufficient number of personnel on the ground, but will welcome any assistance from the federal government.
“This can be assistance in terms of machinery or personnel and even from other states that are not affected by the floods,” said Onn Hafiz after visiting a flood relief centre at SJK (C) Yong Peng 1 here.
Onn Hafiz said he had also put out a request to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday for additional machinery and personnel who are not directly involved in floods.
As an example, he said that the additional personnel can come from the social welfare department and other similar agencies.
“Earlier in Yong Peng, the state’s flood relief personnel are on the ground as the number of families affected by the floods have increased.
“I sympathise with them as they are still committed to assisting the victims even though they are tired, with some that have not slept in three days.
“So, we welcome any assistance from the federal government as well as that from other states,” he said.
On claims that flood aid distribution was not forthcoming, Onn Hafiz called on the flood victims to be patient as the agencies have been overwhelmed by the current situation.
He said all flood-related aid had been mobilised since the start of the floods and the respective agencies are trying their best.
Onn Hafiz added that any lack of essential supplies will also be immediately resolved.
“We will be distributing aid on a daily basis together with contribution of food and clothes from well-wishers,” he said, thanking non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) and private companies that have come forward to assist the state government.
