NUSAJAYA, Nov 26 ― Flood alleviation is part of the RM1.3 million Johor Sustainability Policy study which when completed in six months, will be assessed by a panel of consultants comprising academicians and environmentists.
State Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said the panel will be chaired by geologist Prof Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo, who is also head of Natural Resources and Environment cluster of the National Council of Professors.
“The study will cover various aspects of environmental sustainability and biodiversity,” he told reporters during a break of the state assembly sitting at Kota Iskandar here, today.
A RM1.1 million allocation has been set aside for a Flood Action Plan to identify areas prone to flash floods and to draw up short term and long term solutions.
“It is one of the areas of focus of the Johor Sustainability Policy which also includes soil erosion, biodiversity, pollution, wildlife and flora and fauna,” said Ayub.
He added that the state government plans to build a dugong (seacow) sanctuary at Pulau Sibu and has approved an allocation of RM1 million to conduct research and study.
“The dugong is fast becoming extinct. In 2011, only 17 dugong were found in Johor waters. The following year, four to five dugong were found dead.” ― Bernama
