Johor Flood Mitigation Plan On Schedule Despite Old Bomb, Graves Challenges - Exco

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Ten of the 11 Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects currently being implemented in the state are expected to be completed ahead of schedule despite various challenges, including the discovery of an old bomb and the presence of old graves at project sites.

State Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said only one project is expected to be delayed - the Sembrong Dam RTB - which is still in the design stage.

All 11 projects involve four districts, namely Segamat, Kota Tinggi, Muar and Batu Pahat.

He said that Segamat has two projects, but one of them - the Phase 3 project - is facing challenges due to the discovery of an old bomb at a mosque site along Sungai Gatom in Labis.

“The issue of old bomb at the mosque site has been referred to the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), the Home Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the State Security Council (MKN) for assistance and cooperation.

“We are currently in the process of drafting the initial Bill of Quantities to ‘clear’ the area, which is expected to be completed before June 2026,” he said after the state assembly sitting here today.

Another challenge in the RTB project involves the relocation of 307 old graves in Kampung Panti and Makam Danau Raja in Kota Tinggi, which are believed to be ancient tombstones belonging to nobles of the old Johor Sultanate.

He said that the project, which is being carried out with the cooperation of the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) and the Kadi Office, is expected to be completed by February next year.

Mohamad Fazli, who is also the Bukit Pasir assemblyman, said that two major projects - the Sungai Muar Basin Phase 2 (Tanjung Olak bypass) and the Sungai Kesang Basin on the Muar-Tangkak border - are also currently underway.

The Sungai Muar Basin Phase 2 project required the appointment of a replacement contractor after the original contractor was unable to complete the work, while the Sungai Kesang Basin project is currently in the implementation phase.

“The other project involves the Batu Pahat district, specifically the Pekan Parit Sulung and Seri Medan areas, while another concerns the Sembrong Dam. The Sembrong Dam was originally intended for rainwater harvesting, but due to current needs in the area, its water supply is now channelled to the Sembrong Water Treatment Plant.

“Therefore, the water that was supposed to be released after six months had to be retained. Due to this we need to review and strengthen its design to ensure it is more structurally sound,” he said.

He said the RTB project is valued at RM2.3 billion, with four newly approved additional projects worth RM300 million, bringing the total allocation to RM2.6 billion for 15 projects.

--BERNAMA