JOHOR BARU: Rezoning efforts and the construction of Riverbank Water Storage (Taps) facilities along three rivers will enhance the state’s water supply capacity, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The Johor Mentri Besar added that both state and federal governments are committed to ensuring the success of water supply projects and flood mitigation initiatives to enhance the people’s well-being.

He expressed his gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof for welcoming a state government delegation in Putrajaya to discuss critical water supply and flood mitigation projects.

“To ensure sustainable water supply, several short, medium, and long-term initiatives are currently being implemented and planned.

“These include rezoning efforts and the construction of Taps facilities along Sungai Johor, Sungai Pontian Besar, and Sungai Sedili Besar.

“With an estimated cost of over RM1.6bil, these projects aim to boost water supply capacity for both residents and the state’s expanding industrial sector, particularly through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ),” he said in a Facebook post on Saturday (March 8).

Onn Hafiz added that during the meeting, the delegation also presented the state’s project proposals under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), covering nearly all districts in Johor.

He said key projects include flood mitigation initiatives in Segamat, Muar, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Johor Baru, and Kota Tinggi to improve flood management systems and reduce disaster risks for local communities and businesses.

“The Johor government will not compromise in ensuring the state’s development is sustainable and resilient.

“Therefore, close cooperation with the federal government will continue to be strengthened to ensure that all flood mitigation and water infrastructure projects can be completed on schedule and provide maximum benefits to the people,” he added.

Onn Hafiz said these efforts aim to not only enhance infrastructure but also drive economic growth and improve the overall quality of life for Johor’s residents.