JOHOR BARU: The recent floods that swept through Johor Baru were among the most severe the city has experienced in over three decades, says mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad.

Between March 19 and 20, torrential rainfall exceeding 150mm drenched several areas under the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), including Kampung Pasir and Taman Tampoi Indah.

The relentless downpour caused Sungai Skudai to overflow beyond its danger level of 1.5m, submerging neighbourhoods.

“The intensity of this year’s rainfall was unprecedented, leading to flooding in areas that had never been affected before,” Mohd Haffiz said after a full council meeting yesterday.

“For instance, Taman Tampoi Indah had not seen flooding in nearly 30 years, yet it was affected this time.

“The situation was worsened by a high tide reaching three metres in Johor Baru, triggering unexpected floods in multiple locations.”

The disaster has underscored the urgent need for improved warning systems, especially for residents living near rivers and flood-prone zones, he said.

Mohd Haffiz noted that the system was first introduced last year at Sungai Chat, benefiting residents in Kampung Mohd Amin and other areas.

Given the latest catastrophe, he said expanding the system to more high-risk locations is necessary, enabling early evacuations before official directives are issued by rescue agencies.

In response to the floods, 11 temporary relief centres (PPS) were activated under MBJB’S jurisdiction, providing shelter to 2,232 victims from 806 families.

A total of 27 areas were affected, including villages, residential areas and public housing schemes in Pandan, Kangkar Tebrau, Taman Desa Mutiara, Taman Tampoi Utama, Kampung Pasir, Kampung Seri Serdang, Kampung Melayu Pandan and Kampung Belantik.

To manage relief efforts, Mohd Haffiz said MBJB deployed its frontline units, including Skuad Kilat, Quick Response Unit, Landscape Action Unit, Health Task Force, Enforcement Department and Community Affairs Department.

Although the situation has improved, Mohd Haffiz said the MBJB Disaster Operations Room remains open to oversee postflood assistance and prepare for unpredictable weather patterns during the ongoing northeast monsoon transition period.

“According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the monsoon transition phase is expected to last from March 25 until May 2025, bringing short but heavy rain and strong winds in the afternoons and evenings.

“These conditions increase the risk of flash floods, particularly in western and inland parts of Peninsular Malaysia,” he warned.

“Furthermore, Johor Baru is expected to experience a high tide phenomenon from March 29 to April 3, with water levels reaching up to 3.5m. I urge all relevant departments to remain on high alert.”

MBJB has also installed smart monitoring systems at two selected river basins – Sungai Chat and Parit Utama Abdul Samad – to track water levels and rainfall distribution.

“This system, accessible via mobile phones, allows MBJB to activate pumps earlier and take proactive measures to mitigate flooding,” Mohd Haffiz explained.

He also said Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has announced a special flood relief fund to support affected residents.

Registered households at PPS will receive RM3,000 each while flood victims who did not register at PPS can appeal for aid at their respective district offices until the end of April.

Additionally, Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaar traders at identified locations will receive RM500 in financial aid.