KOTA TINGGI – The International Trade and Industry Ministry has approved a RM100,000 allocation to upgrade the drainage systems in Pengerang and Pantai Timur here.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the allocation is urgent as the drainage systems have not been maintained for a long time, contributing to flooding in these areas earlier this month.
“According to the Kota Tinggi district officer and Irrigation and Drainage Department’s technical reports, RM100,000 is needed for the purpose (drainage system upgrading), so the ministry gave approval for work to proceed immediately,” he told reporters after a gotong-royong at Surau Al-Jamaliah Kg Bukit Raja Darat in Sg Rengit, Pengerang, today.
He said 542 people from 149 families in the said two districts were evacuated to five relief centres due to the recent floods.
A report by the Kota Tinggi Disaster Management Committee found that more than 10 drainage systems are in need of urgent maintenance.
Among the drains are those between Bukit Raja and Parit Jepun; in front of Al-Najjah Bukit Raja Restaurant in Kg Bukit Raja; in Sg Lepau, Kg Lepau; in Kg Sg Lama; and, near the three tributaries of Sg Rengit. – Bernama, January 17, 2021