Floods: No big New Year events in Melaka, says Chief Minister

MELAKA: There will be no mass New Year celebrations in the city in view of the likelihood of floods as well as to curb the spread of Covid-19, says Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

He said the decision not to hold any New Year events was made at the exco meeting on Wednesday(Dec 22).

"Locals are advised not to hold any mass events to usher in 2022. They can mark their New Year by holding prayers for flood victims," he said on Thursday (Dec 23).

Separately, Sulaiman said the state has implemented 383 short-term food mitigation projects totalling RM37mil this year.

He said the federal government has also approved RM931.2mil for eight long-term flood mitigation projects for the state, this year.

Sulaiman said the Krubong water retention pond which has a dual function of storing water and flood mitigation will also be upgraded.

He said flood mitigation programmes will also be implemented at Sungai Duyong, Alor Gajah and Jasin.

"The state Department of Irrigation and Drainage has identified 124 flood hotspots.

"The flood-prone areas include 59 areas in Melaka Tengah district, 42 in Jasin and 23 in Alor Gajah," he added.