Kuala lumpur: The Melaka state government, through the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ), spent nearly RM9.39 million last year to build, upgrade and maintain public infrastructure in the Ayer Keroh state constituency. State Senior Exco for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin said the facilities included roads and drainage systems in residential areas to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of residents.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the projects implemented under the allocation was the upgrading of drainage systems in Taman Melawis, Taman Bukit Beruang Utama, Taman Bukit Beruang Bistari and Taman Seri Jati, with a total cost of nearly RM1.7 million. Through the implementation of these projects, the impact of flash floods in the areas, which were previously categorised as flood hotspots, has been minimised, as noted by Rais during a media briefing.
He made these remarks after launching the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme for the Ayer Keroh constituency. The event was also attended by the state assemblyman, Kerk Chee Yee. Rais highlighted that the RM24.5 million Sungai Putat Flood Mitigation Plan project is being undertaken by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to further reduce the risk and impact of flash floods in Ayer Keroh, a problem that has long troubled the residents.
Small traders in Ayer Keroh are also set to gain from the state government's initiatives, including a RM573,000 project to build an open trading space with 40 trading lots at the Laman Niaga Pinggiran Sungai MITC site, anticipated for completion by the end of May. Furthermore, MPHTJ has invested more than RM3.7 million since 2004 to enhance the landscape of the constituency, which serves as a significant gateway for tourists visiting Melaka.
On the educational front, Rais announced that the Batu Berendam School Complex, valued at nearly RM213 million and consisting of both a secondary and a primary school, is in the pre-implementation stage. Additionally, construction of the Tabika KEMAS Taman Ayer Keroh Heights, estimated at RM2.2 million, is slated to commence this May under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
In terms of public safety and health, the government has approved an allocation of RM45 million for a new Ayer Keroh police station, with procurement expected to start in February next year. The Health Ministry has also allocated RM580,000 for upgrades at the Ayer Keroh Health Clinic, with completion expected by September.
Meanwhile, Kerk Chee Yee shared that 47 programmes will be rolled out as part of the WRUR initiative from now until May 2, aiming to engage with different segments of the Ayer Keroh community. Over 100 complaints have been received from residents regarding issues such as drainage, potholes, and tree maintenance, and Kerk assured that these concerns will be addressed by the relevant agencies.