JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 1 — The Johor government will enhance its ‘Smart City’ technology to enable city residents to receive early flood warnings during extreme heavy rain that poses a risk of flash floods.

State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the early flood warning alerts or notifications would be sent directly to mobile phones via a smart application.

He said it was timely for such initiatives to be implemented so that urgent warning information could be communicated directly to the public, allowing them to take quicker action to safeguard lives and property.

“We need to gather as many mobilephone numbers as possible so that they can immediately start receiving notifications related to extreme weather conditions.

“In Japan, those within a 200 metre to 300 meter radius will receive an early warning notification due to adverse weather conditions.

“Such notifications also warn the public to avoid high risk areas or routes that are likely to be inundated by floodwaters,” Mohd Jafni told reporters at Menara MBJB here today.

Earlier, he chaired an action committee meeting with Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) officials on the severe flash floods that struck several locations in the city yesterday.

Mohd Jafni explained that two flood warning sirens were operational during yesterday’s flash flood incident, with each sounding three times.

However, he acknowledged that the sirens may not have been loud enough.

“Yesterday, the alarm was triggered three times in Kampung Mohd Amin and near the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).

“The issue is that not everyone heard the sirens. So, there is a need to review the system and discuss it with our technical team,” he said.

Yesterday, several parts of Johor Bahru were inundated by flash floods following continuous heavy rain.

Among the severely affected areas were Jalan Ayer Molek, Jalan Yahya, Jalan Pantai, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, and Kampung Pasir in Tampoi. - malaymail