SEVEN RTB PROJECTS SHOW EARLY SUCCESS AS FLOOD INCIDENTS DECLINE IN MELAKA

MELAKA, March 3 (Bernama) — The implementation of seven Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects in Melaka has begun to yield positive results, with several previously flood-prone areas recording a significant reduction in water-level surges despite prolonged heavy rainfall.

State Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin said the projects, which have surpassed 50 per cent physical completion, are already demonstrating the effectiveness of an integrated approach combining infrastructure development and systematic on-site management.

He said the more than RM1 billion initiative represents a long-term solution requiring substantial investment and time, but current progress indicates that the comprehensive strategy is capable of reducing both the frequency and duration of floods in the state.

“The reduction in flood incidents, especially in hotspot areas, should not be viewed solely from the perspective of RTB construction. It must be assessed comprehensively, including the continuous river maintenance efforts carried out by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

“When we see areas experiencing fewer floods, it is not due to RTB alone. Scheduled river cleaning works conducted well ahead of the monsoon season have also played an important role,” he told Bernama.

In terms of risk management, Rais said Melaka is continuously monitoring more than 100 flood hotspots to enable early intervention before heavy rainfall occurs, thereby reducing the risk of sudden overflows.

He added that close collaboration between technical agencies and elected representatives in affected areas, including the Sungai Ramai and Merlimau state constituencies, has strengthened grassroots-level response efforts.

“Elected representatives who understand the flood patterns and timing in their respective areas can alert DID earlier. This allows preventive action to be taken before overflow occurs, and that is one of the key factors in reducing incidents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Duyong Assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem said the Sungai Duyong RTB project, which began in 2021, has brought relief to residents of Taman Seri Duyong, Jambatan Duyong, and Perigi Hang Tuah, areas previously listed as flood hotspots every monsoon season.

Although the project faced delays due to technical issues, he said its initial impact is now evident, with flood incidents significantly reduced, particularly in 2025.

Previously, more than 1,000 houses were affected during peak seasons and around 400 during off-peak periods, especially in 2025.

“For me, this is already a success, even though the project is still ongoing. After the contractor was granted an extension of time by DID, implementation has proceeded smoothly with strong cooperation from all parties.

“It is also encouraging that DID has applied for additional government allocations to ensure smooth execution,” he said.

He added that beyond serving as a bulwark against recurring floods, the RM1 billion RTB initiative also supports long-term urban development and strengthens the state’s preparedness in addressing climate change challenges.

In a related development, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president Datuk Sapiah Haron said the effectiveness of the Sungai Putat RTB project can also be seen, as surrounding areas previously identified as flood hotspots are no longer experiencing similar incidents despite the project still being underway.

She said the local authority has also intensified drain cleaning and infrastructure upgrading works in hotspot areas, particularly in the Ayer Keroh and Kesidang constituencies.

“As a result, many areas under the MPHTJ administration, such as Malim, Durian Tunggal, Pengkalan Batu and Bukit Katil no longer experience flooding as before.

“Overall, the RTB implementation in Melaka has not only shown convincing early results but has also strengthened the state’s flood risk management framework through an integrated approach involving physical development, regular maintenance and close cooperation between agencies and elected representatives,” she said.

--BERNAMA