Federal Government Approves RM1.46 Billion for Eight Melaka Flood Mitigation Projects

MELAKA, Sept 14 — The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), has approved eight flood mitigation projects (RTB) in Melaka worth a total of RM1.46 billion under the 2021–2026 allocation period to protect flood-prone communities.

Melaka Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) Director Mohd Adnan Ahmad Fauzi said the initiatives form part of integrated federal and state efforts to reduce the frequency and impact of flooding across the state.

The projects include the Alor Gajah RTB Phase 1, Bandar Jasin RTB, Bandar Merlimau RTB, Sungai Putat RTB, and Sungai Duyong RTB, as well as upgrading the Krubong-Durian Tunggal Flood Mitigation Pond into a dual-purpose facility serving both flood mitigation and water supply requirements.

“Of the six projects currently underway, five are expected to be fully completed by the fourth quarter of 2027, while the remaining project is slated for completion in 2030,” Mohd Adnan said. “The two projects still in the pre-implementation stage are the Melaka River Flood Mitigation Project (RTB) Phase 1 and the Sungai Baru RTB in Alor Gajah; both are currently in the design phase.”

Data from the Melaka JPS Hydrology Unit and the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN) shows a drop in flood hotspots from 157 in 2021 to 106 last year. Once fully completed, the eight RTB projects are projected to safeguard more than 50,000 residents.

Mohd Adnan explained that flood management strategy in Melaka has evolved beyond basic river widening toward integrated river basin management. The ongoing projects incorporate climate change projections, automated rainfall data, flood retention ponds, upgraded pump stations, and real-time digital monitoring.

JPS has also submitted a proposal for an additional flood mitigation project, estimated at RM145 million, for consideration under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

–NMT