AS the number of evacuees rises, Johor is appealing to Putrajaya and other states not affected by floods to send personnel to help with relief operations.

Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said as more than 30,000 people have been displaced, the state did not have enough ground manpower to provide assistance.

“All officers from various agencies are giving their all to help flood victims. Even though they are spirited, they are already exhausted as they have not had a good rest for three days.

“I have requested aid in terms of machinery or personnel from states not affected by the floods,” he was quoted as saying by The Star Online today.

Onn Hafiz said the state government had mobilised personnel from the first day of the flood, but there had been delay in providing relief due to the high number of victims seeking shelter at the temporary evacuation centres.

“A lot of aid has now arrived at the centres but if there is still a shortage, it will be resolved immediately.

“Adjustments for aid will be made every day. We are also getting help from civil society groups, private companies, and individuals who help in terms of clothes and food,” he was quoted as saying.

Earlier today Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Putrajaya will channel RM50 million in immediate flood aid to Johor.

He said the allocation will be used to help flood victims and for other urgent needs.

“RM50 million for Johor immediately… for river (management), assisting flood victims and other urgent requirements,” he told reporters.

Anwar said he will be in Johor to visit flood victims soon.

As of this morning, the number of flood victims in Johor continued to rise, with 33,149 evacuees in 217 temporary relief centres (TRCs) as at 8am.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced RM10 million in aid would be channelled to the National Disaster Management Agency to obtain essential goods and additional supplies for flood-hit residents in the state. – March 3, 2023.