Irrigation Dept to expedite flood mitigation projects in Johor using more effective design-and-build method

KUALA TERENGGANU, March 6 — The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) will expedite the implementation of flood mitigation (RTB) projects, especially in Johor, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s instructions.

Its director-general Datuk Md Nasir Md Noh said the department planned to implement the RTB projects using the design-and-build method because it is considered one of the fastest and more effective methods.

“They (the RTB projects) are already on the list, it just a matter of how we want to realise it, through a conventional or the design-and-build method.

“When the Prime Minister says he wants the projects hastened, the fastest option is to use the design-and-build method,” he told reporters at the Terengganu Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) 2023 Dinner, here last night.

Md Nasir said in addition to Johor, the DID was in the midst of identifying locations in other states, including Sabah and Sarawak, that require RTB projects to be implemented immediately in order to reduce the impact of floods.

Anwar, during his visit to a relief centre at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Kampung Tengah in Segamat, Johor yesterday, gave his assurance that the flood mitigation projects, especially in Johor, would be expedited and must commence starting June this year.

The prime minister said the tendering process for the projects needs to be done as soon as possible, considering that the flood issue is a recurring problem.

In the meantime, Md Nasir said the DID would place between 10 and 20 more mobile pumps in critical areas in Johor to help expedite the flow of water from the flooded areas, in addition to the 15 mobile pumps that have been installed in a number of locations in Batu Pahat, Pontian and Tangkak.

Earlier in his speech at the event, Md Nasir said the DID had implemented more effective flood management by applying the nature-based solutions (NBS) approach to three projects in Terengganu, namely RTB Kemasik in Kemaman; Kemaman Integrated River Basin Development; and RTB Bukit Payong in Marang. — Bernama