KUANTAN – A total of RM1.8 billion has been allocated to the state Irrigation and Drainage Department through carried forward projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for addressing coastal erosion and mitigating floods in the state.
Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the allocation is also for dam and reservoir projects, as well as forecasting and flood warning programmes.
Among the approved projects are the coastal erosion control project in Kg Tg Batu, Sg Pahang corridor rehabilitation plan in Pekan, Sg Triang and Sg Semerting corridor rehabilitation plan for Mukim Pelangai in Bentong, and Bandar Bera environmentally friendly drainage master plan, he added.
He said a pilot project costing RM6.07 million to control soil erosion and silting in Cameron Highlands has also been approved under 12MP.
“I hope the allocation will, to some extent, reduce the risk of floods and improve the drainage system this year.”
Tuan Ibrahim said RM13.875 million was channelled to the department in March – with RM12.075 million of the total allocated to carry out river conservation works, and RM1.8 million to carry out studies on the Sg Lembing flood mitigation plan.
“I hope the contractors who succeed in getting the projects can carry them out responsibly, meet the conditions that have been set, and complete them within the given period,” he said, adding that this ias among the ministry’s efforts to revive the economy and help the people. – Bernama, April 15, 2021
