Mohd Farid (centre, in red) making mudballs during the tree-planting programme in Kampung Oren, Ulu Tiram.
JOHOR Baru City Council (MBJB) has announced the successful completion of a flood mitigation project in Kampung Oren, Ulu Tiram, effectively resolving the area’s long-standing flood issues.
MBJB secretary Mohd Farid Hassan confirmed that the RM890,000 project, which involved the expansion, cleaning and upgrading of the Sungai Tiram tributary, was completed in August 2024.
“This flood mitigation effort, initiated in 2023, has significantly alleviated flooding issues in the area,” he said.
“The completion of the project ensures Kampung Oren is better protected from floods,” he said after a tree-planting programme at the village.
The programme, a collaboration between MBJB’s Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental and Water Resources Committee and Biocon Sdn Bhd, saw the planting of 200 salam (bay leaf) saplings (Syzgium polyanthum).
“Salam trees are versatile and are used for cooking, traditional medicine, cosmetics as well as ornamental purposes, and play a role in the environment against riverbank erosion,” Mohd Farid said, adding that Biocon contributed the saplings and peat soil.
This tree-planting effort is part of the city council’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability.
Mohd Farid highlighted other recent projects including a mural project at Tembok Tasik Utara in Taman Merdeka, launched last month.
This project comprised beautification of a 130m wall with artwork depicting Johor Baru’s historical and iconic landmarks.
He said MBJB also collaborated with CIMB Foundation, Johor Forestry Department and the local community to plant 500 mangrove saplings along the banks of Sungai Tebrau in Kampung Bakar Batu.
This was aimed at enhancing biodiversity, preventing soil erosion and restoring the Sungai Tebrau ecosystem.
The city council, he said, had established nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) committees to drive these environmental and community-focused programmes.
“These initiatives reflect MBJB’s commitment to creating greener and more sustainable urban spaces, including fortifying riverbanks and preserving ecosystems across Johor Baru,” said Mohd Farid.
Tree-planting and other greening efforts, he added, aimed to not only enhance the area’s ecological health but raise community awareness and involvement in environmental conservation.
