JOHOR BARU: The state and federal governments have agreed to several key projects to ensure water security and enhance flood mitigation in Johor.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said this after a meeting in Putrajaya with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

"Johor and the federal Government are committed to ensure secure water supply projects and effective flood mitigation efforts for the well-being of Bangsa Johor," Onn Hafiz posted on his Facebook yesterday.

Among the initiatives are RM1.6 billion to build reservoirs along Sungai Johor, Sungai Pontian Besar and Sungai Sedili Besar.

These reservoirs will boost water supply for domestic and industrial users in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

This iniative is part of Johor's push for water self-sufficiency, as the state still gets some of its treated water supply from Singapore under the 1962 Water Agreement.

The new reservoirs are expected to reduce dependency on external sources while supporting growing domestic and industrial demand.

Johor faces recurring floods during heavy monsoon rains, displacing thousands of residents in vulnerable areas like Segamat, Kota Tinggi, and Batu Pahat.

In March 2023, nearly 50,000 people were evacuated from floods in the state, underscoring the need for improved flood mitigation.

Flood mitigation projects have been tabled under the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) to cover Segamat, Muar, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Johor Baru and Kota Tinggi.

"The Johor government will not compromise on ensuring sustainable and resilient development.

"Close cooperation with the federal government will continue to ensure all flood mitigation and water infrastructure projects are completed on schedule and bring maximum benefits to the people," he said.

The initiatives align with Johor's long-term sustainability goals, to ensure reliable water supply while strengthening disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas.