Kuala lumpur: The RM99.8 million Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project for Sungai Skudai in Johor aims to benefit approximately 15,000 residents and mitigate flood risks over a 50-hectare area upon its completion, as revealed by Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project is a part of the 12th Malaysia Plan and is currently in the pre-implementation phase. This phase involves detailed planning, site investigations, and preparatory work prior to the commencement of physical construction. A consultant tasked with the detailed planning and site investigations was appointed in May 2025, and is currently preparing the project's concept report.
Survey operations began in November 2025 and are expected to conclude by May 2027. The land acquisition process, initiated in June 2026, is anticipated to complete by August this year. Following the fulfillment of all technical requirements, the procurement process and appointment of contractors are scheduled, with physical construction expected to begin by mid-2027, Abdul Rahman stated during the Dewan Rakyat Special Chamber session.
In response to an inquiry from Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) about the project's impact on residents, especially concerning flood risk reduction, river ecosystem restoration, support for fishing activities, and enhancement of maritime security, Abdul Rahman elaborated on the expected improvements. The project aims to bolster the drainage system's capacity and improve water flow management in Sungai Skudai, thus reducing flooding in frequently affected areas.
Additionally, the project is anticipated to aid in restoring the river ecosystem, improve navigability for local communities, including fishermen, and enhance the operational capabilities of maritime security and emergency management agencies.
When questioned about assurances of the project's timely execution, Abdul Rahman confirmed that the 46-kilometre river would undergo bank strengthening and sections would be widened to approximately 15 metres to increase flow capacity. As interim measures, the ministry is also executing six small-scale projects valued at about RM700,000.
"We have identified around 50 flood hotspots along the river, including five in the Kulai area. By effectively addressing these hotspots, we hope to reduce flood risks and ensure the project's timely progression into the physical implementation phase by mid-2027," Abdul Rahman added.
In a related development, the Ministry of Works has clarified that the RM174.53 million Phase Three upgrading project for the Pasir Gudang Highway (FT17) will not involve acquiring land owned by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), thus alleviating concerns over potential delays. Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi assured that works near railway tracks would proceed with work permits and right-of-way approvals from KTMB, with operations scheduled from February 2027 to December 2028.