ECOTOURISM UPGRADE IN KAMPUNG SUNGAI MELAYU SET FOR COMPLETION BY FEBRUARY 2026

ISKANDAR PUTERI, April 18 (Bernama) -- Upgrading works to boost ecotourism in Kampung Sungai Melayu here, at a total cost of RM12.2 million, are expected to be completed by February next year.

Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said the works, which began last December, are part of preparations for Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Johor Year 2026, with a modern concept that retains the area’s greenery.

He said phase one involves the construction of an entrance arch costing RM500,000, while the second phase includes a three-acre (1.21 hectares) parking lot for 150 vehicles costing RM3 million, as well as the construction of Pengkalan Leluri, Jeti Batu, Jeti Nelayan (jetties) and Laman Budaya.

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“There will also be facilities such as an information centre, electric vehicle (EV) parking bays with charging stations and a shuttle service.

“The upgrading is not only to enhance visitor comfort and safety but also to create jobs and business opportunities for locals,” he told a press conference at the Kampung Sungai Melayu jetty recently.

He said the state government aims to attract 10,000 visitors to Kampung Sungai Melayu, one of the must-visit locations for Visit Johor Year.

On the recent spate of flooding in Iskandar Puteri, Pandak said three hotspots have been identified, namely Kampung Pulai, Kampung Wawasan and Mukim Tanjung Kupang.

He said that continuous heavy rain, high-tide phenomenon and unpredictable weather frequently lead to flooding in these hotspots, adding that funding has been sought for river deepening and drainage upgrades.

“If drains are repaired and well-maintained, I believe we can reduce the incidence of flash floods,” he said.

He added that previous river deepening works at Sungai Gelang Patah were completed at a cost of RM2.2 million.

-- BERNAMA