JOHOR BARU: The Works Ministry is stepping up preparations ahead of the monsoon season, with federal roads, highways and slopes in flood-prone states under close monitoring to ensure public safety.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the ministry would activate its central disaster operations room, known as the Bilik Gerakan Bencana (Big Bang), if the situation worsens.
“The Big Bang facility at the Public Works Department headquarters in Kuala Lumpur will operate around the clock once an area is categorised as red alert,” he said.
“Officers will be stationed there with real-time mapping systems and communication tools to provide updates on road closures, diversions and repairs,” he added.
Ahmad said this at a press conference after closing the Projek Ideation Experience 2025 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Skudai campus on Saturday (Sept 27).
The Pontian MP said the system, which works on a green, yellow and red alert basis, allows quick coordination during floods and landslides.
He said this ensures road users receive alternative routes and timely safety information via JKR’s website and social media.
Ahmad said Segamat and Batu Pahat in Johor are now reclassified as seismic disaster-prone zones after multiple earthquake incidents.
“This means future buildings in these districts must comply with stricter construction standards, such as larger pillars and reinforced steel structures, compared to areas outside the seismic disaster map,” he said.
He said existing buildings would not be affected, except those already damaged by recent tremors, which are being assessed for repair and compensation.
“So far, 15 buildings, 62 houses and two suraus have been identified, although the numbers may increase as more residents come forward,” he added.
He said assistance from the federal and state governments, as well as Nadma, have been extended to those affected.
On the Sabah floods, he said several roads and slopes were damaged by recent weather incidents.
“I have received preliminary figures from JKR Sabah and JKR Malaysia, but I have asked for a more detailed reassessment to ensure accuracy,” he said.
“I will go to Sabah again next week to inspect the affected sites,” he added.
Ahmad assured the public that repair works would be carried out using either new allocations from the federal budget or existing ministry funds.
“If we do not receive additional allocations, we will work within our current budget to ensure critical roads and slopes are repaired,” he said.
“The safety of road users remains our priority,” he added.
He said JKR requested RM10.6bil for development expenditure in Budget 2026, up from RM9.3bil this year.
“Of the 28 ministries, the Works Ministry received the highest development allocation this year,” he said.
“We hope the figure will increase further in the coming budget, especially to cover road and slope repairs in Sabah and other states,” added Ahmad.
