Baling: The Sabo infrastructure construction project in the Sungai Kupang Basin in Baling has been completed more than a year ahead of schedule. In a statement today, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) said the RM26.32 million project was completed in December 2025 as a targeted mitigation measure to address the threat of headwater surge, mud floods, and high-risk debris flows in the upper reaches of Sungai Kupang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project scope included the construction of two sabo structures, river channelisation works, riverbank stabilisation, the construction of maintenance access routes, as well as the installation of monitoring and early warning systems. The project is expected to provide protection to more than 5,000 residents and an area of approximately 4,200 hectares, thereby reducing the risk of destruction caused by headwater surges and mud floods that threaten safety and disrupt the local community’s socio-economic activities.

PETRA deputy minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad today inspected the project and visited the Baling Flood Mitigation (RTB) project and Bukit Selambau Water Treatment Plant (WTP) upgrading project. PETRA said the RM15 million Baling RTB Phase 1 project is among the government’s key initiatives to reduce the risk of frequent flooding in Pekan Kupang and surrounding areas. The project, which is expected to be completed in May 2027, involves upgrading works along Sungai Kupang’s 4.4-kilometre stretch, constructing flood retention ponds, building bunds and flood protection walls, upgrading crossing structures, and related works to enhance drainage system capacity and river flow.

‘Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit more than 5,000 residents in the surrounding areas by reducing flood risks, enhancing community safety, protecting property and public infrastructure,’ it said. Both projects are implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

Meanwhile, PETRA said the Bukit Selambau WTP project, costing RM147.78 million, is among the government’s strategic initiatives to increase treated water production capacity to meet current and future demands in the Kuala Muda district and surrounding areas. ‘This is in line with the government’s efforts to ensure sufficient, high-quality and sustainable water supply for the people. The project is a direct federal government grant project under PETRA and is implemented by the Kedah Public Works Department (JKR),’ it said.

PETRA said it would continue to strengthen the implementation of flood and water disaster mitigation, as well as treated water supply projects nationwide, in line with the government’s efforts to enhance national resilience against the impacts of climate change while prioritising the well-being of the people. ‘This effort is also in line with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration, which emphasises sustainability, well-being and public safety through resilient and inclusive infrastructure development,’ it said.