‘When will this end?’: Flood victims in Johor’s worst-hit district long to return home as weather improves

Mr Ling Tian Soon, state assemblyman for Yong Peng, visited Yong Peng High School on Monday to speak to residents.

He told CNA during the visit that he was unable to give any time frame on when the floodwaters would recede. He noted that the water levels have remained high in many areas. 

However, he expressed optimism that if the weather continues to be good and rainfall does not persist, residents will be able to return to their homes soon. 

“Typically when it floods in Yong Peng, the floods are more persistent. They are not typically flash floods. This is because heavy rainfall causes the Bekok River to overflow,” said Mr Ling.

He noted that rainfall near the Bekok River was at 69mm two days ago but on Sunday it was measured at 4mm. 

“If the weather continues to be good, we can overcome the flood. But if it rains some more, we might not be able to sustain,” added that politician from the Malaysian Chinese Association, a component party of the Barisan Nasional coalition. 

Mr Ling noted that the mitigation efforts announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were good news for Batu Pahat residents and it would mean authorities have more funds to upgrade mitigation measures and prevent the Bekok River from overflowing.