Police Dismiss Rumour Having Declared Emergency In Flood-hit Johor

The police today dismissed a rumour that it had declared a state of emergency in flood-hit Johor, saying such a declaration can only be made by the National Security Division (NSD).

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the police only carry out three main tasks during floods -- search and rescue, crime prevention and assisting flood victims at relief centres.

"We ask the public not to believe the rumour that emergency has been declared in Johor," he told reporters here.

Musa was asked to comment on a rumour that the police had declared a state of emergency in Kota Tinggi, the town worst-hit by the second wave of floods in Johor in less than a month.

Earlier, Musa accompanied Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil on a visit to Sekolah Agama Gunung Lambak where 1,515 evacuees are accommodated.

"A state of emergency is when all flood victims are prohibited from returning to their homes," he said.

Musa also said that additional policemen would be sent to Johor this evening to assist the authorities in helping the flood victims. "So far, there are 2,120 policemen on duty here, and I have directed the General Operations Force to send 1,000 of its personnel as additional support," he said.

In addition, 500 personnel from the Marine Police and the Federal Reserve Unit have been deployed to Johor, he said.

"A total of 29 boats have been distributed to flood-hit areas, and the two helicopters that we sent have been used in evacuating two women in labour yesterday," he said. (Bernama)
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