THE Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) will expedite the implementation of flood mitigation projects, especially in Johor, in line with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s instructions.

Its director-general Md Nasir Md Noh said the department plans to carry out the projects using the design-and-build method because it is considered to be more effective and one of the fastest.

“The projects are already on the list, it just a matter of how we want to realise it, through the conventional or design-and-build method.

“When the prime minister said he wants the projects hastened, the fastest option is to use the design-and-build method,” he told reporters last night.

Nasir said in addition to Johor, the DID was in the midst of identifying locations in other states, including in Sabah and Sarawak, that require flood mitigation projects to be carried out immediately to reduce the impact of floods.

Anwar, during his visit to a relief centre at SJKC Kampung Tengah in Segamat, Johor yesterday, gave his assurance that flood mitigation projects, especially in Johor, would be expedited and must commence in June.

The prime minister also said the tendering process for the projects needs to be done as soon as possible, considering that flooding is a recurring problem. – Bernama, March 6, 2023.