THE Bukit Bendera Voluntary Fire Brigade Association is fully prepared to assist the flood victims in Segamat, Johor.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang said the voluntary fire brigade will leave for Segamat to assist in flood relief efforts on March 5 (Sunday).
“They are the first voluntary fire brigade in the state to step forward to help in the disaster relief efforts.
“They will be focusing on providing basic necessities as well as helping out in rescue missions.
“I also would like to thank students from the Sentral College Penang for raising some funds to help to buy several basic necessities, such as clothes, food and drinks, and other essential items. These items have been given to the Bukit Bendera Voluntary Fire Brigade Association for distribution to the flood victims,” Ng told a press conference at the Bukit Bendera Voluntary Fire Brigade Association today.
Also present were Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Connie Tan and Bukit Bendera Voluntary Fire Brigade Association deputy operation chief Teoh Chuang Piau.
Teoh said a total of 15 people and four vehicles from the Bukit Bendera Voluntary Fire Brigade Association will be involved in the flood relief efforts.
Ng and Lim also presented a mock cheque for RM1,500 each to the association.
Lim also commended the association for being willing to help the flood victims in Johor.
“I hope other agencies also will join the flood relief efforts.
“Those who want to contribute basic necessities can still do so by contacting 010-3237272 (Wong), 016-4908731 (Teoh) and 012-4822125 (Teh),” he said.
As of 8am today, Segamat is the worst-hit district with 12,816 victims followed by Kluang (5,174), Batu Pahat (4,340), Kota Tinggi (3,689), Muar (2,829), Tangkak (1,999), Johor Baru (1,216), Mersing (722), Kulai (630) and Pontian (364).
It is learnt also that the floods have also resulted in three deaths – two in Segamat and one in Kluang.
Based on a weather forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, continuous rain is expected in Johor until Saturday (March 4).
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En