Want to help flood-hit Chaah? Here’s how, says DAP’s Chin Tong
KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 — Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong has today listed down the way the public can help flood victims in Chaah, a small town within the parliamentary constituency of Labis, after Johor was hit by the worst flood ever since 2006.
The Iskandar Puteri MP said that about 90 per cent of the town was submerged under the water at one point.
“It became an ‘island’ which made it impossible for rescuers and aids to reach the residents. We only managed to access it when water receded slightly yesterday,” he wrote on Facebook.
Liew said that the victims in Chaah town, who are currently in the evacuation centres are in dire need of mattresses and blankets.
“Elderlies and children are forced to sleep on canteen benches and the floor. The mattresses would not go to waste as almost all homes in Chaah were hit by flood, thus no one has a proper bed at home for a while.
“Even if they leave the evacuation centres, they would still need those mattresses,” he said.
He also pointed out that dry food like biscuits and canned food are needed.
“There is water supply now so electric kettles and rice cookers would also be of great help.
“Bottled water are welcome, in case water supply gets cut off again, which is highly likely,” he said.
Liew said their volunteers who are currently stationed at Chaah are predicting another round of flooding as water level in Sungai Chaah is rising rapidly again as the rain hasn’t stopped.
“In such a town-wide disaster, there are three phases to return to normalcy. First is rescue and relief. Second is cleaning up and third is rehabilitating and rebuilding,” he said.
Pointing that Chaah is in the first phase, Liew said water and electricity supplies have not been fully restored.
“More than 10,000 residents are displaced across Segamat District. I visited the SMK Seri Bali evacuation centre with Labis MP Pang Hok Liong, yesterday.
“Johor DAP has appointed State Assistant Organising Secretary and Unit Tindak DAP Johor chief Ho Bao Kheong to coordinate volunteers and resources for flood relief efforts,” he said.
“We were also briefed by the District Officer of Segamat Mohd Masni bin Wakiman on the situation. He promised that the evacuation centres will continue to operate as long as there is a need,” he added.
Liew also said those who like to make donations for the flood victims can contact Ho (019-7553073) or Lee Ai Ling (010-4250132).
