JOHOR has reported 674 flood victims at 16 relief centres as at 4pm, an increase from 338 evacuees this morning.

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said four Johor districts were affected – Kota Tinggi with 513 victims, Kluang with 103, Kulai with 38 and Segamat with 20.

It said the situation in Pahang has also worsened, with 315 victims sheltering at eight relief centres in Rompin and Pekan.

The Irrigation and Drainage Department said rivers in six Johor areas were at danger level and rising.

They were Kampung Laut (Sungai Skudai, 3.89m), Dagang (Sungai Johor, 4.61m), Sri Jaya (Sungai Johor, 8.76m), Kampung Murni Jaya (Sungai Johor, 18.15m), Kampung Sungai Siam (Sungai Johor, 21.02m) and Kampung Contoh (Sungai Endau, 14.79m).

It said Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Terengganu were also rising, with readings of 77.51m and 19.9m, respectively. Two rivers at danger levels and dropping were Sungai Arau in Perlis (23.86m) and Sungai Batang Sadong in Sarawak (9.52m).

Nadma said 49 roads have been closed until today due to floods, including Johor’s Jalan Kota Tinggi-Kluang and Jalan Mersing-Endau, Terengganu’s Jalan Bukit Besi-Dungun and the route between Kelantan’s Simpang Tiga Sungai Pahi and Simpang Tiga Kampung Peria.

The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said easterly winds were expected to build in Pahang, Johor and eastern Sabah until Tuesday and in Sarawak until Thursday.

It said this could lead to increased humidity and bring continuous rain.

“MetMalaysia has updated the continuous rain warning affecting eastern Pahang and Johor until January 8. A warning of strong winds and rough seas has also been issued, effective until January 8,” the statement said. – Bernama, January 7, 2024.