Are Malaysians an uncaring lot?

The dismal number of volunteers who have signed up to help flood victims appears to suggest so.

According to the Welfare Department, only 150 people have volunteered nationwide to assist the more than 100,000 who have been left homeless in Johor alone.

The department's community development division director Rahamah Mohd Baki appealed for Malaysians to come forward.

"We need people to pack food and distribute them. We are short on manpower," she said when contacted today.

The floods, which began late December, has been described as the worst ever, claiming 18 lives and causing hundreds of millions in property damages.

Rahamah said the effects would last for months after the floods have subsided.

Volunteers will be vital in the cleaning up of affected areas and distribution of food for the next two months, she added.

She said while the department has 30,000 of its own registered volunteers, called the prime welfare brigade, the majority were not active.

"It is a problem we need to solve soon," she added.

Shortage of vehicles

Meanwhile, the number of displaced victims is expected to increase in the next few days if the rains persist.

"We expect the rains to continue and more victims made homeless. This flood problem will not disappear so soon," said a senior relief welfare officer who did not wished to be named.

Contacted today, the officer said the main problem is the supply of food.

The Welfare Department does not have enough vehicles and is relying on the Public Works Department, local authorities as well as the Drainage and Irrigation Department.

"There are places where there is not enough food. However, the situation in most relief centres are improving but we are facing problems with (the) Kota Tinggi (centre)," said the officer.

The National Meteorological Department said rain is expected to continue for the next few days.

In a statement today, the department said parts of Johor are still expected to receive rain until Wednesday.

The northeast monsoon season, which brought heavy downpours to Johor and parts of Pahang and Sarawak, is expected to continue until March.

Those interested in volunteering can contact the Welfare Department at 03-26165622. For information on relief programmes in Johor call 07-2361 481.