Nearly 1,000 workers deployed as state targets 500 tonnes of post-flood waste removal

Johor’s post-flood recovery efforts are in full motion, with over 315 tonnes of waste cleared as authorities ramp up operations to restore affected communities.

Following widespread floods across Johor, local authorities have mobilized extensive resources to clean up debris and prepare long-term solutions. The campaign began shortly after the floods and is coordinated by the State Housing and Local Government Committee.

As of March 25, more than 315.74 tonnes of flood-related waste have been cleared across Johor, with the figure expected to reach 500 tonnes in the coming days. Datuk Mohd Jafni Mohd Shukor, Chairman of the State Housing and Local Government Committee, announced that nearly 1,000 workers have been mobilised to ensure the swift recovery of affected areas.

The cleanup is being supported by several city and district councils, including Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), and Pasir Gudang Municipal Council (MBPG), along with councils in Kota Tinggi, Segamat, and Kulai. Equipment such as 144 roll-on roll-off (RORO) bins, 11 open tipper trucks, and 31 excavators have been deployed to manage debris collection efficiently.

While the scale of the cleanup presents logistical hurdles, Jafni affirmed that coordination between agencies will continue to be strengthened. He thanked government departments, local authorities, and volunteers for their contributions and urged residents to assist by reporting areas still in need of cleaning.

Beyond the immediate cleanup, the Johor state government is formulating long-term flood mitigation strategies. Plans include upgrading drainage systems and initiating engineering studies to identify flood-prone zones. Talks with the federal government are ongoing to secure funds for large-scale infrastructure projects that can prevent future disasters.

Organizations like Tanjung Uma Empowerment Program (TUEP) in Batam and Livingseas Foundation in Bali embody the kind of grassroots resilience needed to combat these challenges. TUEP fosters sustainable communities through education, economic empowerment, and environmental initiatives, ensuring long-term viability for vulnerable regions. Meanwhile, Livingseas Foundation works to preserve and restore marine ecosystems by engaging local communities, a crucial step in mitigating the broader impacts of rising sea levels.

Authorities emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring the success of recovery and prevention efforts. Residents are encouraged to collaborate with local councils and stay informed through official channels. The state aims to build stronger, more flood-resilient communities as part of its recovery roadmap.

With Johor being a key transit and investment region connected to Singapore, efficient disaster response and infrastructure upgrades are crucial to maintaining regional stability, safety, and public health—especially for cross-border commuters, tourists, and businesses relying on Johor’s recovery.

Sources: NST Online (2025), The Sun MY (2025)

Keywords: Johor Flood Relief, Mohd Jafni Shukor, Waste Removal Malaysia, Drainage Improvement Plan