RM1.95 Mln Project To Tackle Frequent Flooding In Taman Machang Bubok

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Penang Government is committed to implementing continuous flood mitigation measures in the state, particularly in Seberang Perai, to protect residents and property from disaster threats.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said that since 2020, RM26.08 million has been channelled to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) through the Caruman Saliran Negeri (State Drainage Contribution) allocation for various flood mitigation projects.

He said the flood mitigation project in Taman Machang Bubok was among those given priority due to frequent flooding in the area, occurring up to eight times a year, with water levels reaching 300 to 450 millimetres, affecting nearly 80 houses, particularly in Lorong 17, 18 and 19.

“Physical work for the project began on Feb 21, with a total cost of RM1.95 million.

“The project has so far reached 10 per cent progress and is projected to take 18 months, with completion expected by Aug 20 next year,” he said in a statement after inspecting the project here today.

Zairil said that apart from MBSP, allocations were also provided to other implementing agencies, including the Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), Penang Island City Council, Public Works Department, and the District and Land Office, to carry out flood mitigation works within their respective jurisdictions.

He said the state government, through Penang DID, was also implementing several flood mitigation projects in the Seberang Perai Tengah district, including the RM15.6 million Sungai Permatang Rawa project, which is 71 per cent complete and expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Zairil said that once completed, the project is expected to resolve flood problems in Kampung Permatang Rawa, Kampung Padang Lalang, Kampung Tanah Liat and Taman Guru, providing benefits to about 1,000 residents in the affected areas.

“At the same time, the state government has applied to the Ministry of Economy under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan to implement the Sungai Kilang Ubi Flood Mitigation Project, at a cost of RM105 million.

“This project is very important as the area around Sungai Kilang Ubi is frequently affected by flash floods, and its implementation is expected to enhance flood protection and provide direct benefits to the local community,” he said.

--BERNAMA