Land Repossession Causes Delay In Phase 1 Of Sungai Golok PLSB Project - Exco

KOTA BHARU, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Land repossession due to changes in the alignment of Jalan Keselamatan dan Pembangunan (KESBAN) in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, has been identified as one of the factors contributing to the delay in Phase 1 of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project, the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting was told today.

State Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin said that the project, which began in April 2018, was initially scheduled for completion in August this year.

“Following the land repossession process, the contractor submitted a request for an extension of time in November 2023, which was approved on Jan 30, 2024, granting a total extension of 707 days.

“As a result, Phase 1 of the PLSB project, which is now 70 percent complete, is expected to be completed by July 26, 2026,” he said when winding up the debate on the 2025 supply bill at the Kota Darulnaim complex today.

Elaborating, Dr Izani said Phase 3 of the Sungai Golok PLSB project, with an allocation of RM461 million, was currently in the detailed design phase, with four per cent progress, and physical works were expected to begin in January 2025.

He said that Phase 2 of the Sungai Golok PLSB project was still at the tender pre-qualification stage at the ministry level.

Commenting on the Flood Mitigation Plan, Dr Izani said that this year, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) had developed the Environmentally Friendly Drainage Master Plan (PISMA) for the districts of Kota Bharu, Tanah Merah, and Pasir Mas.

He said the plan would also be implemented next year, covering the districts of Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Machang, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Jeli, and Tumpat.

“PISMA can be used as the main reference in preparing a more effective drainage plan to control floods according to locality,” he said.

He said that the DID was also preparing an Integrated River Basin Management Plan, which aimed at providing a comprehensive plan for the structuring and improvement of rivers, water resources, and flood mitigation.

-- BERNAMA