Melaka applies for federal funding for a RM300 million flood mitigation project in Sungai Rambai to address recurring monsoon flooding.
JASIN: The Melaka state government has applied for federal funding to implement the Sungai Rambai Flood Mitigation Plan project.
The RM300 million project is a long-term measure to reduce recurring flood risk in the area.
State Senior Executive Councillor Datuk Rais Yasin said the project will focus on managing the flow of Sungai Kesang.
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This river contributes to overflow into the Sungai Rambai area during heavy rain.
“We hope this can be realised in efforts to address flooding problems in the Sungai Rambai state constituency,“ he said.
He added that flooding occurs frequently, particularly during the northeast monsoon season.
Rais spoke after visiting a relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Parit Penghulu.
He said several other flood mitigation projects are ongoing in Jasin, Merlimau and Sungai Duyong.
Only one relief centre remains open, housing 36 evacuees from eight families.
The flood situation is improving as waters have receded and residents have begun cleaning.
Rais said the recent flooding was caused by overflow from Sungai Kesang.
Heavy rain in the Segamat district on Sunday brought water into the area on Monday.
“Although there was no heavy rain in Parit Perawas, overflow in the upstream river basin caused the area here to be affected,“ he explained.
The incident highlights the need for better coordination between the Melaka and Johor irrigation departments.
Sungai Kesang runs through both states.
Sungai Rambai assemblyman Datuk Siti Faizah Abdul Azis was also present.
She said 46 drains in the constituency have been classified as rivers.
These drains require regular maintenance at least twice a year.
Six are in identified flood-prone areas like Kampung Parit Perawas and Parit Penghulu Benteng.
Others are at Jalan Simen Batu Gajah, Sebatu Laut, Seri Mendapat, and Kampung Seri Benteng Janda Berhias.
“We hope the state government will consider increasing the allocation to maintain these drains,“ she said.
She noted the drains are large and have long watercourses. – Bernama
