Baling: The federal government is expected to allocate an additional RM50 million to revive the abandoned Sungai Limau Water Treatment Plant (LRA) project in Baling following the termination of the project's original contract last year. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the nearly RM100 million project had only achieved between 15 and 20 per cent progress before construction works were halted.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the federal government had to step in and take over management of the project, including appointing a new contractor, to ensure its continuation. 'When we want to rescue this project, there will certainly be a Notice of Change (NOC) and it is estimated that the government will have to spend another RM50 million to save the project. If the project fails to be implemented as intended, there will be consequences and burdens. Now it is evident that additional costs have to be incurred,' Akmal Nasrullah told reporters after a working visit to Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP).

Earlier, Akmal Nasrullah also visited the Sungai Limau LRA project site and the Bukit Selambau LRA project near Sungai Petani. He said the process of restarting the Sungai Limau project could take up to 30 months, including the appointment of a new contractor. 'The project started in 2021, but with the current setback, at the very earliest it may take another three years before we know whether it can be fully completed,' he said.

Meanwhile, Akmal Nasrullah stated that the Bukit Selambau LRA project, currently around 51 per cent complete, was also facing delays from the original schedule. He mentioned that the contractor had been reminded to intensify works at the site as Kedah's water reserve supply currently stood at zero per cent. 'Every time we visit, commitments are given, but we want to see genuine commitment to ensure the project is completed as promised. If the Bukit Selambau project also fails, the burden will again fall on the federal government,' he said.