In a circular, JPA director-general Zulkapli Mohamed said this meant that the employees will receive all allowances and other entitlements under government regulations.

“They will also be covered by the ex-gratia payment scheme for disasters for government employees,” he said in the circular sighted by FMT.

Zulkapli said this was decided at the post-Cabinet meeting of the Prime Minister’s Department last Friday, adding that all heads of department and agencies must ensure that claims by these volunteers are processed.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim flagged off the convoy of 153 vehicles, comprising 26 buses, 16 vans, eight lorries, 64 four-wheel drives and 39 cars, which have been mobilised for the operation.

He expressed his gratitude to the civil servants who had volunteered to take part in the post-flood programme in Johor.

Apart from cleaning up the affected areas, the volunteers will hand out food baskets, basic school needs and cleaning equipment.

They will also assist with minor vehicle repairs and electrical work, and provide psychological support and counselling.

Anwar said the flood victims in Segamat and Batu Pahat, which have been the worst-hit by the floods, would find it challenging to recover unless they had extra help.