Federal Government allocates RM187mil for flood mitigation project in Batu Pahat

BATU PAHAT: The Federal Government has allocated more than RM187mil to develop a flood mitigation project along Sungai Batu Pahat, says Ling Tian Soon.

The Johor health and environment committee chairman added that the allocation was approved in January this year and that the project is expected to be completed by January 2029.

“Johor experienced one of the worst cases of flood in March last year when more than 10,000 families in Batu Pahat were rescued and placed at temporary relief centres.

“This is why this year, the Federal Government has allocated RM187mil to help create a solution for the issue.

“The project has already been tendered and is currently in the design phase; it will commence once the contractor completes the design and it is approved by the Drainage and Irrigation Department and local authorities,” he said.

He said this after officiating the Johor Bersih and Luban Fun Run at Dataran Astaka Shahbandar, here, on Saturday (July 6).

“Hopefully, this flood mitigation project will address or reduce the flood issues in Batu Pahat, especially in hotspot areas along the riverbanks.

“Areas like Sri Medan, which often experiences stagnant flood issues, will benefit from this project,” he added.

The project scope includes constructing riverbanks, building flood barriers, installing tidal control gates, upgrading or adding pumping stations, and river deepening works.