{
  "id": 19446769,
  "title": "RM3mil culvert upgrade proposed to address recurring Kota Tinggi floods",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/rm3mil-culvert-upgrade-proposed-to-address-recurring-kota-tinggi",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T05:04:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1575286/rm3mil-culvert-upgrade-proposed-address-recurring-kota-tinggi-floods"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA TINGGI: Local politician Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman claims poor maintenance and insufficient drainage capacity are to blame for frequent flash floods along Jalan Johor Baru-Kota Tinggi. The flooding disrupts traffic, especially during peak hours, and poses safety threats to motorists. An inspection revealed that a retention pond, built by a developer near a petrol station, was not properly maintained and cannot handle heavy rainfall. The pond must be deepened and cleared, with the developer agreeing to commence work within a week after Halim inspected the area alongside representatives from the developer, Public Works Department, and local authorities. Additionally, the drainage system faces capacity constraints as the culvert carrying runoff from several surrounding areas, including Bukit Tiram, Bandar Tiram, and Taman Intan, cannot manage the combined water flow during heavy rain, leading to water overflow onto the road and exacerbating flooding. Halim discussed both short- and long-term measures with relevant agencies, with immediate efforts centered on improving the retention pond and conducting drainage maintenance. A more extensive solution involves replacing the existing culvert at an estimated cost of RM3 million. This federal road, which is a major route to Kota Tinggi experiencing growing population, requires long-term planning. Halim will forward the proposal to the appropriate authorities, hoping for timely action.",
  "summary": "KOTA TINGGI: Poor maintenance of a retention pond and inadequate drainage capacity have been blamed for recurring flash floods along Jalan Johor Baru-Kota Tinggi here.",
  "key_points": [
    "Poor maintenance and insufficient drainage cause frequent flash floods in Kota Tinggi.",
    "Retention pond near petrol station needs deepening and clearing after inspection.",
    "Culvert replacement estimated at RM3 million for long-term flood mitigation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Upgrading the aging drainage infrastructure and addressing developer neglect represent necessary steps to protect a major transit route from the increasing flood risks caused by rapid local population growth.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}