A DRAINAGE upgrading project is set to begin on Jalan Jati in Kluang, Johor, to tackle longstanding flash floods, bringing relief to motorists and residents, according to councillor Yap Zhi Peng.
The Yap Tau Sah zone representative said RM400,000 had been allocated for widening and construction works.
“The flooding problem stemmed from poor surrounding drainage as runoff from nearby roads, including Jalan Sekolah Chong Hwa and Jalan Besar, converged at Jalan Jati.
“Technicians from the Public Works Department (JKR) also found that one of the roads had no proper underground outlet, while another drain is at maximum capacity.
“As such, the project will focus on improving drainage at three key locations around Jalan Jati to ensure smoother water flow,” he told StarMetro.
Yap said one of the locations was the junction from Jalan Besar into Jalan Jati, where a stretch of road currently had no drainage system and was not connected to the existing drains.
“When it rains heavily, water flows directly onto the road because there is no proper outlet.
“A new drain will be constructed at the junction of Jalan Jati and Jalan Sekolah Chong Hwa to improve water flow and discharge.”
He added that works would also cover the widening and upgrading of the drains at Jalan Lambak to increase the overall capacity of the drainage system.
The project, funded by Johor government, was expected to be completed in June.
“The issue has affected the people for years and I took it up after I was appointed the local councillor for the area in June 2024,” said Yap.
“This project was planned after detailed discussions involving Kluang Municipal Council (MPK) and JKR.
“I am glad it will kick off soon to address flooding in the area,” he added.
