KLUANG: The Johor government is expected to meet with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra) to discuss flood mitigation projects in the state today.
State works, transportation, infrastructure, and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the state government has requested 11 flood mitigation projects from the Federal Government worth almost RM2bil.
“We hope that Petra will help in accelerating five projects to be completed by December 2026, which is a year earlier than the initial timeline of 2027,” he said when met at a ceremony where the Federal Government handed over six completed projects to the state here yesterday.
The projects included the flood mitigation for Sungai Batu Pahat in Sri Medan and the flood mitigation plan for Bandar Batu Pahat, which is crucial for reducing flood risks in these areas.
Additionally, the Muar River Basin Phase 3, Package 1 in Segamat will enhance flood control for the surrounding region.
“Two packages under the Johor River Basin Phase 1 are also in progress, both focusing on Kota Tinggi.
“Packages 1 and 2 of this initiative are designed to mitigate flooding in this flood-prone district and protect residents and infrastructure,” he said.
Earlier at the same event, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said key projects worth close to RM200mil have been handed over to Johor as part of the government’s effort to address flooding.
He said the projects, focused on renewable energy and water resource development, are also part of a larger effort to enhance infrastructure and services in Johor.
“The six completed projects represent a federal allocation of RM186mil.
“Five of the projects were led by the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) and included the upgrading of the Bekok Dam in Johor at a cost of RM17.8mil.
“We have also conducted the improvement of mechanical and electrical infrastructure for flood control in the state valued at RM2.7mil, and the construction of breakwater structures at Pengkalan Seri Menanti Laut, Muar, at a cost of RM1.8mil,” he said.
Other projects included the upgrading of an eco-friendly drainage system at Sungai Suloh in Batu Pahat, costing RM3.6mil, and the construction of U-shaped concrete drains connecting Sungai Batu Pahat to Pekan Semerah, valued at RM7.7mil.
“The sixth project, carried out by the Water Supply Department (JBA) was the Raw Water Transfer Project Layang 2, which had a budget of RM152.6mil.
“In total, 29 projects worth RM5.64bil have been approved for Johor under the Fifth Rolling Plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), with a further allocation of RM224.8mil earmarked for 2025 under Petra,” Akmal Nasrullah added.
Asked to comment on concerns raised by the state government regarding the need to accelerate flood mitigation projects, he acknowledged the urgency, especially in light of the recent heavy rainfall which caused widespread disruption in several areas.
He added that while these projects are designed to address specific local issues, such as floodgates and electrical maintenance, the government is also considering larger-scale flood mitigation works to address the broader challenges posed by climate change.
On a separate note, Akmal Nasrullah also spoke about the Ops Sedut programme at Felda Pengeli, which was launched to address low levels of environmental awareness among rural communities.
“Only 15% of the 363 households in the area had emptied their septic tanks. To address this issue, Indah Water Konsortium introduced the initiative, which aims to improve living conditions and hygiene for residents and their neighbours,” he said.
