JOHOR BARU: Johor has drawn up 20 flood mitigation projects worth RM35.36mil to address flash floods affecting 12 major locations here, including areas near Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic) said the recent flash floods were worrying, particularly with the approaching northeast monsoon season.
“Rainfall of up to 120mm within just two hours had highlighted the urgent need for immediate action and comprehensive solutions to reduce the risk of recurring floods,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page here on Friday (Nov 6).
Among the affected locations were Kampung Mohd Amin, Kampung Pasir, Jalan Yahya Awal and HSA.
Following the incidents, Onn Hafiz visited the Sungai Chat Pump House and the Kampung Mohd Amin Flood Retention Pond project site to assess the progress of mitigation works.
The inspection was carried out together with representatives from Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and the state Public Works Department (JKR).
He said the 20 projects covered six river basins and related roads, involving drainage system upgrades, construction of retention ponds, additional pumps and installation of floodgates.
Among the key measures were the deepening of existing retention ponds and construction of two new ponds in the Sungai Chat basin.
Other works included upgrading drainage systems and operating flood pumps in Kampung Pasir and along Sungai Skudai.
In the HSA area, additional pump capacity would be provided while Jalan Mahmoodiah would also be raised to reduce flood risks.
Retention ponds and improvements to the main drainage system were also planned for Jalan Ayer Molek and Jalan Yahya Awal.
Meanwhile, drainage systems, culverts and floodgates along Sungai Sengkuang and Jalan Ismail Sultan would be upgraded.
Onn Hafiz said he had directed all relevant agencies to expedite the works and ensure that projects were completed according to schedule.
Mitigation works in Taman Merdeka, Kampung Pasir, Jalan Ismail Sultan and Kampung Mohd Amin were targeted for completion by the end of this year.
The remaining projects would be implemented in phases, with close coordination among the relevant agencies.
"I am aware that whenever heavy rain occurs, there are Johoreans who worry about the safety of their families, homes and belongings.
"That is why I hope these efforts will genuinely reduce the risk of recurring floods and bring relief to residents who have been dealing with this problem for a long time," he said.
He also expressed hope that the mitigation measures would provide lasting relief to affected communities, particularly as the state prepares for the northeast monsoon.
