SINGAPORE: The Singapore Red Cross is sending S$10,000 worth of emergency food supplies to flood victims in Johor.

Other Singapore non-governmental organisations are gearing up to send volunteers to help in whatever way they can.

Rice, biscuits, instant noodles and sardines are some of the essential food supplies for Johor flood victims.

The call to order these supplies came after a meeting between representatives from the Singapore's Red Cross and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society on Saturday morning.

Lim Theam Poh, Manager, International Services, Singapore Red Cross Society, says: "We heard they needed food items and non-food items. Some of the food items include canned food, rice, sugar and non-food items like toothbrush, toothpaste and so on. On hearing their needs, we decided to cooperate with the Malaysian Red Crescent to make an offer to send them some supplies."

The Singapore Red Cross says it has always enjoyed a good relationship with its Malaysian counterpart.

"This is the time to demonstrate our friendship. What happens thereafter depends on whether they still need our assistance. If so, we will do whatever we can within the resources we've got here. But I am sure this is not the first and last of everything. In fact, it is a long journey in our bilateral relationship with the Malaysian Red Crescent Johor Baru branch," says Mr Lim.

Three Red Cross vans will make their way across the Causeway on Sunday to ferry the much-needed supplies for the more than 62,000 flood victims in Johor.

Another Singapore non-governmental organisation, Mercy Relief, is working with Mercy Malaysia and the Land Rover Club to distribute hygiene kits and 100 water filters to those affected.

The team of 10 drivers and other volunteers will leave for Johor on Sunday. - CNA/so