Johor bahru: Ten of the 11 Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects in Johor are set to be completed ahead of schedule, overcoming obstacles such as the discovery of an old bomb and the presence of ancient graves at the project sites. State Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh reported these developments, noting that only the Sembrong Dam RTB project, which is still in the design phase, might experience delays.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the projects span four districts: Segamat, Kota Tinggi, Muar, and Batu Pahat. Segamat hosts two projects, with Phase 3 encountering a challenge due to an old bomb found at a mosque site along Sungai Gatom in Labis. Authorities including the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), the Home Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the State Security Council (MKN) have been engaged to address this issue. The process to clear the area is projected to conclude before June 2026.

Another significant challenge involves relocating 307 old graves in Kampung Panti and Makam Danau Raja in Kota Tinggi, believed to be linked to the ancient Johor Sultanate. This aspect of the project is being managed in collaboration with the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) and the Kadi Office and is expected to be completed by February next year.

Mohamad Fazli further highlighted ongoing major projects, including the Sungai Muar Basin Phase 2 (Tanjung Olak bypass) and the Sungai Kesang Basin on the Muar-Tangkak border. The Sungai Muar Basin Phase 2 required a new contractor after the original one failed to complete the task, while the Sungai Kesang Basin project is advancing in its implementation stage.

In Batu Pahat, projects involve the Pekan Parit Sulung and Seri Medan areas, alongside the Sembrong Dam. Initially planned for rainwater harvesting, the Sembrong Dam now channels its water supply to the Sembrong Water Treatment Plant due to regional needs. This shift necessitated a review and enhancement of its design to ensure structural robustness.

The RTB project commands a budget of RM2.3 billion, supplemented by four newly sanctioned projects worth RM300 million, culminating in a total allocation of RM2.6 billion for 15 projects.