Sungai Golok river basin project: Scope, design adjustments aim to provide long-term flood protection

KOTA BHARU, Oct 11 — The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has disclosed adjustments to the scope and design of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin (PLSB) project in Kelantan, which are influencing its implementation schedule and expenses. These modifications were made to accommodate contemporary requirements, considering the impacts of climate change, infrastructure necessities, the actual site situation, and the necessities of local residents.

Key among the changes were those pertaining to land acquisition, adjustments to the project alignment and drainage system capacity to guarantee that the project's design and scope align with present circumstances, thereby enabling the flood mitigation system to function with heightened efficiency. These revisions are imperative to guarantee that the infrastructure delivers dependable, sustainable, and secure prolonged flood protection for inhabitants in flood-prone regions, according to the statement released today.

Further, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, along with senior officials from PETRA and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), paid a visit to the project site to evaluate progress and confirm that operations were executed proficiently, systematically, and in alignment with the timeline.

The statement highlighted that PETRA will persist in guaranteeing the project's execution in accordance with the tenets of judicious and responsible governance, with the safety and well-being of the populace remaining a top priority. "Maintaining robust cooperation between the Federal Government, through PETRA and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and the state government will continue to be reinforced to ensure that project-related concerns are tackled effectively and in a coordinated fashion," the statement elaborated.

Additionally, PETRA expressed openness to constructive suggestions and comments from stakeholders to enhance project implementation's efficiency, while maintaining that environmental sustainability and public welfare retain paramount importance.

The ministry also reasserted its dedication to ensuring that public funds are handled prudently, transparently, and accountably, with a focus on the caliber of project execution and advantages to the public. It further underscored that these endeavors would be further amplified to facilitate the more effective implementation of water infrastructure and coastal restoration initiatives, particularly in mitigating the risks of flooding and coastal erosion.

Concerning the project's implementation status, PETRA reported that Phase 1 had attained 73.01 percent physical progress, whereas Phases 2 and 3 had documented 3.16 percent and 24.18 percent, respectively. "Phase 1 is projected to be finished in July 2027, while Phases 2 and 3 are slated for completion in October 2028 and April 2029, respectively," the statement concluded.