CHUKAI, Oct 26 (Bernama) —More than 1,500 residents across four villages in Kemasik are hoping a completed RM47.03 million flood mitigation project will reduce the risk of flooding during the current Northeast Monsoon season.
The Sungai Kemasik Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB), completed this year, covers areas including Kampung Baru, Kampung Baru Kiri, Bukit Kukuran and Gong Cengal, which have experienced recurring floods during the monsoon season.
Kampung Baru Kemasik Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP) chairman Abdul Nasir Muhamad, 54, said the project offered hope to residents who had long suffered losses from damage to their homes and belongings.
He said some families had previously been forced to evacuate to temporary relief centres for several days when floodwaters inundated their homes.
“The RTB project, developed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), underwent improvements before being fully completed this year. It is hoped that this will mitigate flood risks in the area, for the well-being of the residents,” he said.
Kampung Baru Kiri resident Minah Abdullah, 57, said her home had been flooded almost every year, forcing her family and other residents to seek shelter at the temporary relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kemasik.
She hoped the project would reduce the severity of flooding and provide lasting relief to communities repeatedly affected by rising water levels.
Mohd Raffi Yusoff, 59, of Kampung Gong Cengal, said his house was particularly vulnerable because it was located near Sungai Kemasik.
He said heavy rain and high tides often caused the river to overflow into low-lying parts of the village, inundating homes.
Terengganu Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat said the project began in 2023 and covered a seven-kilometre stretch of Sungai Kemasik.
He said the works included river deepening, embankment construction, retention ponds, bridges and the installation of flood control components.
The project aims to improve the capacity of the river and drainage system to manage water flow, reduce flood risks, protect residents and minimise damage to property and infrastructure in Kemasik and surrounding areas.
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