Johor floods: Residents worry stagnant floodwater may disrupt palm oil yield

BATU PAHAT - Residents of Kampung Sri Sejagong, Sri Medan, near here, are worried about the stagnant water situation in their area following the floods that hit on Wednesday.

A resident, Mahadi Misnon, 51, said the last time such a situation occurred was 18 years ago, and it was also feared to affect their palm oil plantations - a main source of income for them.

He said the flood water started to rise in the plantation and residential area three days ago, and claimed that it was expected to get worse as the flood water from Labis, Segamat, started heading towards the area.

"The flood water that has entered the plantation area will cause us difficulties in picking the oil palm fruit bunches, while we also fear it may damage the fruits,” he said, adding that the situation might drag on for a week or two.

"In addition, the oil palm trees are also feared to be affected and thus affect the income of the camp," he told Bernama when met at the relief centre set up at Dewan Kampung Sri Sejagong, here, today.

As of 4pm, 205 flood victims from 56 families were recorded in Batu Pahat. - BERNAMA