THE flood mitigation project along Sungai Muar in Johor is expected to be completed by the end of next year, about 19 months ahead of schedule.
Buloh Kasap assemblyman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the Sungai Muar flood-mitigation project (RTB) Phase Three Package One was about 95% complete.
“The project was initially scheduled for completion on July 22, 2029, but progress has been much faster than expected,” he said in a statement.
He added that the RM461.01mil RTB project was expected to reduce flood risks for residents in Segamat, who had experienced several major floods over the years, especially in 2006 and 2023.
Zahari, who is also Johor Legislative Assembly Speaker, said the project covered a 25km stretch and included three artificial river bypasses.
He said works were currently focused on the third bypass at Kampung Tebing Tinggi.
“The existing river route spans about 3km, but the new bypass will shorten the water flow route to about 1.3km, improving the passage of water downstream.
“Widening works on the third bypass have been completed, with the remaining work mainly involving deepening the river channel.”
With the monsoon season approaching, the project team is also accelerating work to ensure water from upstream areas around Buloh Kasap can flow smoothly downstream, said Zahari.
“The completion of the bypass and other components will help protect residents’ homes and property while providing greater peace of mind during the monsoon season.”
According to the project plan, a flood-retention pond spanning about 30ha is also nearly complete, with the remaining work including fencing, ground surfacing and the installation of gates and an outlet structure.
The project is expected to benefit about 22,000 residents, including those in Kampung Seberang Batu Badak, Kampung Pogoh, Kampung Chodan and other surrounding flood-prone areas.
