Johor Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Flood mitigation works at the Batu Pahat River are expected to start next year to solve the problems faced by more than 35,000 residents.
The RM190mil project was to provide a long-term solution to the floods caused by water overflow at the main ditches and river in the area, said Johor tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.
“The project, funded by the Environment and Water Ministry, is expected to kick off next year with the completion set for 2026.
“Among the works slated are riverbank repairs and upgrading the existing low flood barrier that has led to the overflow,” he said on Thursday (June 23), adding that it would also help to reduce flash floods during heavy rain and when the tide is high.
He was replying in the state assembly to Gan Peck Cheng (PH-Penggaram), who wanted an update on the Batu Pahat River flood mitigation works near Kampung Parit Lapis.
Raven Kumar added that as a short-term solution, a RM161,798 barrier construction project was carried out at the Kampung Parit Lapis river inlet last year to tackle flood woes in Taman Damai 2 and the surrounding areas.
“Short-term flood mitigation efforts are still being carried out this year, totalling RM1.07mil and funded by the Federal Government.
“The works include river conservation to solve flooding issues faced by residents in Taman Batu Pahat, Jalan Pantai, Jalan Masjid, Parit Johar, Parit Sri Molek and Kampung Muhibbah in Batu Pahat,” he added.
