Keratan Akhbar.

RM7.1m to widen Sg Plentong

23 October 2008 , NST

THE Federal government has allocated RM7.1 million for the widening of Sungai Plentong to overcome overflowing during rainy days.

The amount will also include the cost of reconstructing the railway bridge spanning the river.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the project will take 16 months to complete and is expected to solve the flood problem that has been affecting villagers for decades.

He said the river will be widened from 18.8 metres to 35 metres while the railway bridge across it will be extended from 44.2m to 60m.

"Six companies have tendered for the project.
"The successful firm will have to resume work immediately after the result of the tender is announced in December.

"Work is expected to be fully completed by early 2010.
"We hope the project will be able to solve the flood problem as we had deliberated over the idea and laid out a comprehensive plan."

He said this after visiting the new basketball court at Kampung Baru Plentong in Johor Baru and the banks of Sungai Plentong on Oct 16.

Also present were Johor International Trade and Industry, Energy, Water, Communication and Environment Committee chairman Tan Kok Hong and Johor Jaya state assemblyman Tan Cher Puk.

Ong said the meandering nature of the river, coupled with the problem of shallow riverbed, was the main cause of the flood problem.

"Immediate action needs to be taken to rectify the situation that had been prolonged for many years and which is getting more serious lately.

"I wish to thank the Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and the state government for their concern and efforts to attend to the problems."