Melaka: The Melaka state government has applied for federal funding to implement the Sungai Rambai Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) project as a long-term measure to reduce the risk of recurring floods in the area. State Senior Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Climate Change and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin said the project, estimated to cost RM300 million, will focus on managing the flow of Sungai Kesang, which contributes to overflow into the Sungai Rambai area during heavy rain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, several RTB projects have been implemented and are ongoing in the state, including in Jasin, Merlimau, and Sungai Duyong. These projects are seen as necessary for long-term planning for the Sungai Rambai area. "We hope this can be realised in efforts to address flooding problems in the Sungai Rambai state constituency, which occur frequently, particularly during the northeast monsoon season," Rais Yasin told reporters after visiting the relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Penghulu.

Also present was Sungai Rambai assemblyman Datuk Siti Faizah Abdul Azis. Rais noted that only the relief centre remains open, housing 36 evacuees from eight families. The situation is reported to be improving as floodwaters have receded and residents have begun cleaning their homes.

He explained that the flooding was caused by overflow from Sungai Kesang following heavy rain in the Segamat district, which brought water into the area. "Although there was no heavy rain in Parit Perawas, overflow in the upstream river basin caused the area here to be affected as well," he said. He added that the incident underscores the need for better coordination between the Melaka and Johor Departments of Irrigation and Drainage, as Sungai Kesang runs through both states.

Meanwhile, Siti Faizah highlighted that 46 drains in the Sungai Rambai state constituency have been classified as rivers and require regular maintenance at least twice a year. She pointed out that six of these drains are located in identified flood-prone areas, namely Kampung Parit Perawas, Parit Penghulu Benteng, Jalan Simen Batu Gajah, Sebatu Laut, Seri Mendapat, and Kampung Seri Benteng Janda Berhias.

"Therefore, we hope the state government will consider increasing the allocation to maintain these drains, which are not only large but also have long watercourses," she said.