Melaka: The federal government has approved RM450 million in funding for the Sungai Baru Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) in Masjid Tanah, aimed at addressing recurring floods in the area. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that the project will cover a 15-kilometre stretch from Sungai Durian Daun to the mouth of Sungai Kuala Baru. The initiative includes the construction of four flood retention ponds located in Kampung Londang, Kampung Jeram, Kampung Lubuk Redan, and Taman Gamelan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister emphasized the long-term nature of the project, stating, "This is a long-term initiative to tackle the flood problems affecting Masjid Tanah." His remarks came during a visit to a Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) pump house as part of the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) engagement programme for the Lendu constituency at Taman Masjid Tanah Ria. Accompanying him were State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan, and Lendu assemblyman Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

For immediate flood prevention measures, Ab Rauf highlighted that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) is implementing projects worth RM3.3 million. These state-funded initiatives include the installation of pumps, construction of pump houses and compact substations, and river maintenance works. Additionally, rehabilitation work is ongoing for two existing flood retention ponds, Durian Daun and Solok Duku, at a combined cost of RM1.85 million, with completion expected by December.

In an unrelated matter, Ab Rauf called on the state's stage bus operator to enhance safety standards and improve driver training in response to a series of fatal public transport accidents attributed to negligent driving, resulting in loss of life.