Fadillah (third right) together with the committee of Surau Darul Ibadah performing the ‘Zikir’ ceremony at the event yesterday. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The federal government is looking at spending an additional RM500 million this year for flood mitigation besides the allocated RM1 billion as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

According to Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof, the additional funds would be used according to needs.

Fadillah, who was met by reporters after attending a Maulidul Rasul celebration at Surau Darul Ibadah, Taman Malihah yesterday, further elaborated that the recent flood which affected several states in Peninsular Malaysia did not mean several projects that were approved last year would be put on hold.

“Projects approved last year will still be implemented and we might be looking at additional funds for these projects due to the disaster,” he said.

He also said that the National Security Council (MKN) was still evaluating several designs for 3,300 houses which were totally destroyed by the recent flood.

“Prime Minister Najib has directed our ministry to redesign the houses for the relocation of victims affected. Once the design is endorsed we will bring it over to MKN before being approved,” he explained.

On the closure of federal roads in the affected states, Fadillah said 10 roads were still closed to motorists in Terengganu and two in both Kelantan and Pahang due to erosion.

“An estimated RM96 million is expected to be used to repair damaged slopes, while RM338 million is needed to repair damaged roads and we are expecting the number to increase as the water level decreases,” he said.

On another matter, Fadillah urged members of the public not to spread false news, especially on the collapsed bridge in Kuala Lipis, Pahang which was claimed to be in Miri.

“We urge members of the public to be vigilant in spreading any news and check the validity of the information first,” he said, adding that the state Public Works Department (JKR) had received funds from the federal government to conduct a study on upgrading existing bridges in the state.

“The upgrade aims to improve the load capacity of the bridges and JKR has currently completed the study.”