DID undertaking 40 flood mitigation projects in Kelantan, Terengganu

TUMPAT: A total of 40 flood mitigation and environmentally-friendly drainage projects are currently being and will be implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the implementation of flood mitigation (RTB) projects will increase the number of people protected from the effects of previous floods.

"In Kelantan, two major RTB projects are under implementation, namely the Sungai Kelantan Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB), which has now reached 87.74 per cent physical progress and is expected to be completed on April 20 next year.

"In addition, the first phase of the Sungai Golok PLSB has achieved 71% physical progress and is expected to be fully completed on Aug 13, 2024, while the second phase is in the tendering stage and is expected to be awarded to the contractor in March 2023.

"The third phase will be implemented through off-budgetary allocations, with the total estimated cost of this project (Sungai Golok PLSB) being RM2.156 billion," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the Post-Flood Action programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bendang Pa’Yong here today, which was also attended my Tumpat MP Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi.

Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave his assurance that Phase 1 and 2 of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project in Kelantan will be expedited, which is capable of reducing flood disasters and providing great benefits to residents.

Nik Nazmi commented further that the ministry will expedite the report on PLSB for further action so that the project can proceed immediately.

"We understand the urgent need to address climate change issues such as floods. Therefore, we will focus on finding a long-term solution to the climate change issues by adopting an effective approach to adaptation and mitigation," he said.

Nik Nazmi said the recent monsoon surge peaked on Dec 18 when the highest rainfall of over 430 millimetres (mm) per day was recorded in Kota Bharu.

"After that, a total of 65 monsoon floods were recorded, of which 44 occurred in Kelantan and 21 in Terengganu. Both states recorded average rainfall above their respective monthly averages," he said. - Bernama