Johor Ruler presented with proposed flood mitigation projects

JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has been presented with proposed flood mitigation projects involving three districts in the state.

In a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page, His Majesty granted an audience to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad here on Friday (Jan 27).

The proposed flood mitigation projects involve Segamat, Batu Pahat and Kota Tinggi.

It will be implemented immediately in an effort to reduce the risk of floods that often hit several districts in Johor.

During the audience, Nik Nazmi also briefed Sultan Ibrahim on the latest flood situation in the state.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had requested the Federal Government to look back at projects that would help reduce floods.

“The flood mitigation project as announced by the previous administration is an important matter and I pray that the 2023 Budget, which will be presented again, has good news for the people in Johor,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 26).

He added that the state government would also be allocating RM300 besides the RM1,000 aid given by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to each affected families that were placed at the temporary relief centres.

“The state government understands the plight of the flood victims who are being tested by this disaster, and will do everything possible to ensure that they get the help they deserve,” he said.

Seven districts in Johor have been hit with floods due to continuous rain on Tuesday (Jan 24), forcing more than 5,000 people to be evacuated at temporary relief centres.

Meanwhile, the state disaster management committee said as of 4pm on Friday, the number of flood victims has gone down to 3,498 people.

"There are currently only 38 centres that remain open in the seven affected districts," it said.

It added that Mersing has the highest number of victims with 1,789 people, followed by Kluang (843), Kota Tinggi (482), Batu Pahat (205), Segamat (151), Tangkak (15) and Muar (13).