JOHOR BARU: Stern action awaits contractors who breach planning approval resulting in floods, says state executive councillor Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The Johor housing and local government committee chairman said at least two notices have been issued to contractors failing to fulfil requirements under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133).
“We will not take this matter lightly, especially since such lapses could contribute to flood issues in Johor.
“Contractors must obtain planning permission before carrying out any project and adhere to all regulations stipulated under the approval.
“This includes providing retention ponds that meet specific specifications to prevent flooding. We are keeping a close eye on the matter,” he said when contacted.
Mohd Jafni said a data centre project under the Iskandar Puteri City Council was the first to receive a 14-day stop-work notice in August.
“This followed public complaints and subsequent inspections found violations, including construction activities carried out late into the night and the absence of hoarding (a temporary barrier around a worksite).
“In a separate case under the Johor Baru City Council, a contractor failed to comply with the requirement of providing a retention pond and received a notice to rectify the matter.”
Mohd Jafni said although the notices didn’t include fines, the two-week stop-work order could result in losses amounting to millions of ringgit.
“Halting work even for a few days would incur significant costs.”
Mohd Jafni added that while the state government is keen to attract data centre investments, it will not compromise regulatory compliance.
