Works Ministry Enhances Monsoon Preparedness, Monitors Flood-Prone Areas
JOHOR BARU, Sept 27 (VoM): The Works Ministry is intensifying preparations for the upcoming monsoon season, with federal roads, highways, and slopes in high-risk states placed under close surveillance to safeguard public safety.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the ministry is ready to activate its central disaster operations room, known as the Bilik Gerakan Bencana (Big Bang), if conditions deteriorate.
“The Big Bang facility at the Public Works Department (JKR) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur will operate 24 hours once an area is categorized under red alert,” he said.
Equipped with real-time mapping and communication systems, the center will provide timely updates on road closures, diversions, and repair works.
Ahmad was speaking at a press conference after closing the Projek Ideation Experience 2025 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Skudai campus.
He explained that the ministry uses a green, yellow, and red alert system to enable rapid coordination during floods and landslides, ensuring that road users receive alternative routes and safety updates through JKR’s website and social media platforms.
Ahmad also revealed that Segamat and Batu Pahat in Johor have been reclassified as seismic disaster-prone zones following recent earthquake activity. Future buildings in these districts must comply with stricter construction standards, such as reinforced steel structures and larger pillars.
“Existing buildings are unaffected, except those damaged by recent tremors, which are being assessed for repairs and compensation,” he said. So far, 15 buildings, 62 houses, and two suraus have been identified, with the number expected to rise as more residents come forward.
Federal and state governments, along with Nadma, are providing aid to those impacted.
On the recent floods in Sabah, Ahmad said several roads and slopes were damaged. “I have received preliminary figures from JKR Sabah and JKR Malaysia, but I have requested a more detailed reassessment. I will personally visit Sabah again next week to inspect the affected sites,” he said.
He assured the public that repair works would be funded either through new federal allocations or existing ministry resources. “Even without additional funds, we will prioritize the repair of critical roads and slopes. The safety of road users remains our top priority,” he stressed.
For Budget 2026, JKR has requested RM10.6 billion for development expenditure, up from RM9.3 billion this year. “Among the 28 ministries, the Works Ministry received the highest development allocation in 2025. We hope to secure an increase for the coming budget, especially to cover road and slope repairs in Sabah and other states,” Ahmad added.