Baling: The RM22.80 million Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang near here is expected to be completed ahead of schedule, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. The dam, which is currently at 62 per cent progress as opposed to the scheduled 20 per cent, will reduce the risk of debris flows that threaten the safety of the 5,000 residents in Baling Town, he added.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, contractors have assured that the project will be completed two months ahead of the original schedule, by the end of next year. This development pace is uncommon for such projects. Saifuddin Nasution, who visited the project site in his capacity as Kedah state development action council joint chairman, also shared that the flood mitigation plan in Baling district was at 12 per cent development for Phase 1 and 3.68 per cent for Phase 2 so far. The first phase, costing RM9.6 million, is expected to be completed in November next year, while Phase 2, costing RM118 million, is projected to be finished by January 2029.

The flood mitigation projects hold significant importance for the residents of Baling, who have faced frequent flooding. In 2024, Baling experienced 17 flood incidents, and in 2023, 10 incidents occurred, based on data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage. The flood mitigation plan is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the flooding issue in the district.

Saifuddin Nasution also visited a site where 17 replacement houses and facilities are being constructed for victims of the debris flow that affected Kampung Iboi on July 4, 2022. The project, with a budget of RM3 million, is 95 per cent complete, with only utility preparations remaining. The completion is anticipated by the third week of July, after which the houses will be handed over to those affected.