KOTA BHARU: Land repossession issues stemming from alterations in the alignment of Jalan Keselamatan dan Pembangunan (KESBAN) in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, have been identified as a primary contributor to the delay in completing Phase 1 of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project. This information was shared during a session of the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin reported that the project, initiated in April 2018, was originally slated for completion in August of this year. However, due to the land repossession process, the contractor requested an extension in November 2023, which was approved on January 30, 2024, granting a 707-day extension. Consequently, Phase 1 of the PLSB project, currently 70 percent complete, is now expected to reach completion by July 26, 2026.
Dr Izani further elaborated that Phase 3 of the Sungai Golok PLSB pro
ject, with an allocation of RM461 million, is in the detailed design phase, achieving four percent progress. Physical construction for this phase is anticipated to commence in January 2025. Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the project is at the tender pre-qualification stage at the ministerial level.
In relation to flood mitigation efforts, Dr Izani commented on the developments by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), which has crafted the Environmentally Friendly Drainage Master Plan (PISMA) for the districts of Kota Bharu, Tanah Merah, and Pasir Mas this year. The plan is set to extend to additional districts, including Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Machang, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Jeli, and Tumpat, in the coming year.
Dr Izani highlighted that PISMA would serve as the primary reference for devising more effective drainage plans tailored to control floods based on local conditions. Additionally, DID is working on an Integrated River Basin Management Plan aimed at delivering a comprehensive strategy for the enhanc
ement and management of rivers, water resources, and flood mitigation initiatives.