In Malaysia’s southern state of Johor, relentless flooding has displaced over 13,000 people, upending lives and preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The disaster, affecting six districts, has submerged homes, blocked roads, and left communities grappling with loss as the holiday looms. As of 8 am Friday, the Johor Disaster Management Committee reported 13,089 individuals from 3,749 families taking shelter across 95 relief centres, with Johor Bahru, Kluang, and Kota Tinggi seeing the most evacuees.
Since March 19, continuous rainfall has swollen nine rivers, including Sungai Lenik and Sungai Skudai, to dangerous levels, causing widespread traffic snarls and road closures. In Kota Tinggi, Jalan Lukut Cina and Jalan Mawai Lama have been shut down entirely, isolating residents and hampering rescue efforts. With more rain forecast, authorities remain on high alert.
Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi voiced deep concern for residents, many of whom have lost possessions just days before Hari Raya. “We will prioritise their welfare and provide ongoing support,” he affirmed Wednesday. Relief teams have been mobilised to distribute aid and monitor river levels.
The floods have left a trail of personal devastation. In Kampung Pasir Tebrau, accountant Nordiana Moidoo, 39, described watching floodwaters swallow her home until only the roof remained. “I saved my car and one motorcycle, but everything else—clothes, food for the celebration—is gone,” she said, pegging her losses at RM10,000 (USD 2,120). Similarly, factory worker Jefri Kamarulzaman, 43, recounted his family’s escape to a community hall after their riverside home was inundated. His wife’s tailoring business, which specialised in festive garments, suffered heavily. “We hope her customers understand,” he said, noting the loss of their children’s school supplies as well.
The education sector has also been hit hard. Johor Education Committee chairman Aznan Tamin reported disruptions at 20 schools across five districts, with seven repurposed as relief centres and two completely flooded. At SK Kangkar Tebrau, teacher Siti Aishah Baharudin described unprecedented flooding reaching the school’s first floor. “I hope families stay resilient,” she said.
As Johor braces for more rain, the road to recovery remains daunting. For now, displaced residents cling to hope, relying on community support and government aid to salvage what they can of the festive season.
