Heavy rain floods Aidilfitri stalls, destroying stock as government announces RM11.2 million relief
Flash floods hit the Aidilfitri bazaar in Kota Tinggi, Johor, devastating traders just weeks before Hari Raya and prompting swift financial aid from the state government.
The disaster, caused by the overflowing Johor River during persistent rain, submerged stalls selling festive goods. The Kota Tinggi incident was among several floods that recently displaced over 13,000 people across Johor, prompting authorities to open 100 temporary relief centres.
Dya Meli Asman, a 21-year-old first-time trader, lost a large portion of her RM80,000 investment in festive clothing after water rushed into her tent. With most of her team also flood victims, she and a single assistant struggled to save stock late into the night. “I held back tears while packing, but I cried myself to sleep once I got home,” she shared. Dya plans to recover part of her losses by washing and selling damaged goods at a discount.
Long-Time Vendors Shocked by Rare Flood Event
Raya biscuit vendor Mohd Ridzuan Adnan, who has traded at the same bazaar for over 20 years, said he never anticipated such rapid flooding. “This is usually our busiest time, but now we face fewer customers and rising water. We’ve placed goods on higher shelves and are praying the weather holds,” he said, reflecting on how the recent downpour disrupted what should be a peak season.
RM500 Aid for Traders, RM11.2 Million Statewide Relief
In response, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced RM500 assistance for 441 affected bazaar traders, including those at Tebing Dato’ Onn, Kampung Pasir, and the MDKT Aidilfitri bazaar. He also revealed RM11.2 million in special assistance for 3,749 heads of household across six flood-hit districts, with additional exemptions on local bazaar fees to ease burdens.
Alongside trader assistance, six mosques, 17 suraus, and 43 schools will receive repair funding. Appeals for aid remain open at district offices in Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru, Kulai, Kluang, Pontian, and Batu Pahat until the end of April. The state also confirmed that nearly 10,000 traders at 180 locations will benefit from local fee exemptions to support continued recovery.
The flooding in Kota Tinggi underscores the vulnerability of seasonal businesses in the face of climate volatility. As Johor becomes a frequent destination for Singaporeans shopping ahead of Aidilfitri, the government’s swift action could preserve confidence in the region’s resilience and economy amid such disasters.
Sources: NST (2025), Malay Mail (2025)
Keywords: Kota Tinggi Flood, Bazaar Aid Relief, Johor Flood Victims, Aidilfitri Trader Support
