JOHOR BARU – The Local Government Development Ministry has yet to request the federal government for more allocation on flood mitigation programmes.
Its deputy minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said Putrajaya remains adamant in tackling the issue in Johor, especially areas in Segamat and Johor Baru that are prone to flash floods.
Akmal, who is also Johor Baru MP, said he has brought up the matter with the Johor Baru mayor.
“The federal government’s commitment (to handling flood issues) such as the mitigation plans for Segamat will continue, but details will be shared later.
“The (flood) problem surrounding Johor Baru will also be addressed.”
The Dewan Rakyat had, on December 20, approved the Consolidated Fund (Expenditure on Account) Bill 2022, known as a “mini budget”, which amounted to around RM107.7 billion.
Akmal said any allocation request relating to disaster mitigation will have to undergo a series of negotiations among authorities at the federal, state, and local levels.
“The government has only approved a mini budget, while Budget 2023 would be tabled in February,” Akmal told reporters after performing Friday prayers at the Kg Melayu Majidee mosque here today.
Earlier, Akmal had accompanied the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had his first official visit to Johor following his recent appointment, to a luncheon with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The leaders were joined by state excos, state officials, and several Pakatan Harapan lawmakers.
During his visit, Anwar had an audience with Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
Anwar had met Sultan Iskandar and Tunku Ismail in Kuala Lumpur last month. – The Vibes, December 30, 2022
