KOTA TINGGI: Poor maintenance of a retention pond and inadequate drainage capacity have been blamed for recurring flash floods along Jalan Johor Baru-Kota Tinggi here.
Tiram assemblyman Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman said the flooding had disrupted traffic, particularly during peak hours, and posed safety risks to motorists.
He said an inspection found that a retention pond built by a developer near a petrol station had not been properly maintained and could no longer cope with heavy rain.
“The pond needs to be deepened and cleared. The developer has agreed to begin the work within a week,” he said after inspecting the affected stretch yesterday with representatives from the developer, Public Works Department and local authorities.
Halim said the drainage system also faced capacity constraints, as a culvert carrying runoff from several surrounding areas, including Bukit Tiram, Bandar Tiram and Taman Intan, could no longer cope with the combined water flow.
This caused water to overflow onto the road, worsening flooding during heavy rain.
He said short- and long-term measures had been discussed with the relevant agencies, with immediate efforts focusing on improving the retention pond and carrying out drainage maintenance.
As a longer-term solution, he proposed replacing the existing culvert at an estimated cost of RM3 million.
“The stretch is a federal road and needs long-term planning. The surrounding population is growing, and this is a major route to Kota Tinggi.
“We will refer the proposal to the relevant authorities and hope appropriate action will be taken,” he said.