MELAKA — The federal government, through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), has approved eight flood mitigation projects in Melaka worth a total of RM1.46 billion for the 2021–2026 period, aiming to enhance protection for residents in flood-prone areas.

Melaka Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) director Mohd Adnan Ahmad Fauzi said these projects are part of the federal and state governments’ integrated efforts to reduce the risk and impact of flooding in the state.

He noted that the projects include the Alor Gajah Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) Phase 1, Bandar Jasin RTB, Bandar Merlimau RTB, Sungai Putat RTB, and Sungai Duyong RTB, as well as the upgrading of the Krubong-Durian Tunggal Flood Mitigation Pond into a dual-purpose facility serving both flood mitigation and state water supply needs.

“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.

“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,” he told Bernama.

Mohd Adnan said although none of the RTB projects have been fully completed to date, flood hotspot data released by the Melaka Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) Hydrology Unit and the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN) indicates a reduction in hotspots—from 157 in 2021 to 106 last year.

“Once all these RTB projects are fully completed, we anticipate that over 50,000 residents in Melaka will be protected against flood risks,” he said.