THE Federal Government has approved RM450mil in funds for the Sungai Baru Flood Mitigation Plan in Masjid Tanah, Melaka, to address recurring floods in the area.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the project would span a 15km-stretch from Sungai Durian Daun to the mouth of Sungai Kuala Baru.
He said it would also include the construction of four flood retention ponds in Kampung Londang, Kampung Jeram, Kampung Lubuk Redan and Taman Gamelan.
“This is a long-term initiative to tackle the flood problems affecting Masjid Tanah,” he told Bernama after visiting a Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) pump house as part of the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat engagement programme for the Lendu constituency at Taman Masjid Tanah Ria.
Also present at the event were State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, state science, technology, innovation and digital communications committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan and Lendu assemblyman Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
For short-term flood prevention, Ab Rauf said DID was implementing RM3.3mil worth of state-funded projects, including the installation of pumps, construction of pump houses and compact substations as well as carrying out river maintenance works.
Two existing flood retention ponds at Durian Daun and Solok Duku were also undergoing rehabilitation at a combined cost of RM1.85mil, which is expected to be completed by December.
Separately, Ab Rauf urged the state’s stage bus operator to take greater responsibility for safety standards, calling for improved driver training following a series of fatal public transport accidents.
He noted that several incidents were linked to negligent driving, resulting in loss of life.
