KULAI, March 23 - River and ditch maintenance work in Johor needs to be carried out more frequently, in order to prevent flooding incidents that often occur in several districts of the state.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said this action is important to facilitate the flow of water and thus reduce the risk of flooding.

"Efforts also need to be focused on deepening the river mouths, while work on deepening the river and straightening the river water flow is being carried out," said Ahmad Maslan when visiting the Temporary Relief Centre (PPS) at SMK Bukit Batu, here.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Maslan described the RM3,000 assistance given by the Johor government to Heads of Households (KIR) affected by the flood as one of the largest assistance ever given during a disaster. The donation shows the government's concern for the flood-affected residents.