Johor Bahru Faces Record Number of Flood-Prone Areas
In a concerning development, Johor Bahru has identified 745 flood-prone areas this year, marking the highest number on record. This poses a significant threat to the region and its residents.
Factors Contributing to the Rise in High-Risk Areas
- Batu Pahat leads with 186 flood-prone areas, followed by Segamat (103), Muar (87), and others.
- Climate change is a major factor, causing flooding in previously unaffected areas like Chaah in Segamat.
- Increasing flash floods and heavy rainfall in specific locations are also contributing to the problem.
Preventive Measures and Preparedness
To address the looming threat, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department is taking proactive steps:
- Identifying 23 critical slopes in various areas.
- Deploying 1,425 officers and personnel during the northeast monsoon season.
- Utilizing 38 four-wheel-drive vehicles, 10 lorries, and 45 boats for emergency response.
Embracing Technology for Safety
In a bid to enhance safety measures, the department is collaborating with the Malaysian Productivity Corporation on a groundbreaking pilot project:
- Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology to expedite building plan assessments.
- Focus areas include architectural, mechanical, and electrical aspects for thorough evaluation.
- AI implementation aims to streamline the assessment process, which previously took 14 days to complete manually.
Addressing Recent Tragedies
Following the recent fire incident at warehouses in the SILC Industrial Area, Iskandar Puteri:
- Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and estimate losses.
- Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of two Bangladeshi workers, with one injured and receiving treatment at Sultanah Aminah Hospital.
It is imperative for authorities and residents to remain vigilant and prepared in the face of these challenges.