MERSING: Flood victims who are currently housed at a temporary relief centre (PPS) in Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Mersing fill their free time with various psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic activities provided by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
Apart from relieving her boredom, Siti Rohani Abdul Jalil, from Kampung Bahagia, said the activities such as batik dyeing and embroidery that she participated has further strengthened her relationship with fellow villagers who have been evacuated to the PPS.
"As someone who works in shifts, I did not have time to get to know my neighbours before. Even though this flood is a disaster, it's a blessing in disguise to meet them through fun activities like this," the 37-year-old nurse, who works at the Mersing Hospital, told Bernama.
Shariah Talib, 44, who works as a security guard, took the opportunity to participate in JKM activities to spend time with her children.
She also said that she was grateful to the department because, despite the flooding, she could now at least catch up on time with her family.
"It's also fun to spend time with the children, even if it's just colouring posters or playing UNO with them," she said.
Puteri Nurain Kamila Megat Hasni, 10, said that even with her three-day stay at PPS, she was not bored because JKM offered so many interesting activities.
Besides participating in various games, the Standard Four student did not forget her responsibility to revise her lessons and this time, it was even more fun as she could do so with her classmates, who are also taking shelter at the PPS.
Earlier, Johor JKM director Mohamad Hapil said that as head of the activities committee at PPS, the department is responsible for providing psychological support, crisis intervention and activities for victims.
He said the activities can help with the emotional coping of the flood victims and fill their free time so that their emotions are stable while they are at PPS. - Bernama