KUALA LUMPUR: The standard operating procedure (SOP) for water release from the Bekok Dam in Johor will be restudied, says Deputy Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii.
“Apart from the Bekok Dam, other dams in Johor such as the Sembrong Dam and Machap Dam are also currently functioning both as flood mitigation and water reserves to nearby water treatment plants,” he said in response to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) in the Dewan Rakyat Special Chambers on Thursday (June 8).
Huang said the Bekok Dam’s capacity has also been increased from 32 million cubic litres to 70 million cubic litres in 2022.
He said that the government had also planned to carry out four flood mitigation projects in Johor, adding that it cost RM69.2mil.
Dr Wee had earlier asked about the ministry’s plans to review SOPs in the operation and maintenance manual of dams and dam structures, specifically in Johor.
Separately, Dr Wee had also asked on the principles and procedures outlined by the Local Government Development Ministry in distributing funds for repair and maintenance works on non-Muslim houses of worship.
In response, Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said there were several criteria.
These include that the house of worship must be a registered entity under the Registrar of Societies or Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM); possess valid verified land documents by the Land Office such as land or ownership grants; the value of repairs not exceeding RM250,000 for one house of worship and that the application does not overlap with any other government agencies.
“Those interested can visit the ministry’s website to obtain guidelines on the application process and forms.
“Applications will be vetted for consideration by the ministry’s task force on this,” he added.
On non-Muslim houses of worship aged more than 50 years, they would be under the purview of the Tourism, Arts and Culture through the National Heritage Department.
