JOHOR BARU: In a move to address the persistent flash floods in the state, the Johor menteri besar launched an operation codenamed 'Ops Longkang dan Parit' (drains and ditches), yesterday.
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the initiative aimed to ensure that all drains and ditches across the state are thoroughly clean and free from debris to improve water flow and mitigate flood risks.
"The effort will immediately kick-off in Johor Baru and extended to other districts.
"Its main focus is to clear blockages and maintain the drainage infrastructure to prevent waterlogging and floods that have plagued urban areas," he posted on his Facebook page.
Key stakeholders, including representatives from the state Public Works Department, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, local municipal authorities, district offices, and various concession companies attended a meeting held at the menteri besar's official residence in Saujana, here, yesterday.
Onn Hafiz who chaired the meeting emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in tackling the issue.
Those involved are required to submit a monthly progress report on the cleaning and maintenance efforts to him.
Onn Hafiz said the large-scale effort is essential to address the poorly maintained drainage systems in the districts.
"I urge all parties to play their roles and shoulder this responsibility as a team.
"Take every complaint seriously and ensure that issues such as blocked and damaged drains or drains overgrown with weeds are resolved promptly," he said.
He also reminded the people that their contribution to maintain cleanliness is essential.
"I appeal to all Bangsa Johor to keep our environment clean by not littering. Let's work together to create a clean and comfortable Johor for the benefit of everyone," he added.
Earlier, the New Straits Times reported Onn Hafiz joining a Tik Tok influencer's team to clean a drain which was covered with overgrown bushes, rubbish and debris along Jalan Susur towards the Eastern Dispersal Link Expressway, near the Pandan Wholesale Market.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast heavy rains, thunderstorms and strong winds in several areas in Johor, namely Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru, today.
Several districts in the state were also recently hit with flash floods following heavy rains.
Blocked drains and ditches were among the attributing reasons behind the flash floods.
Meanwhile, Semerah in Batu Pahat is among the districts hit with flash floods.
Semerah assemblyman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid has engaged contractors to install water pumps at Telok Wawasan, Kampung Bintang, Sungai Kajang and Asam Kumbang, in an effort to drain water from the ditches into the sea.
Fared, who is also the state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman, said additional water pumps will be added if necessary.