BALING: The RM22.80mil Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang near here is expected to be completed ahead of schedule, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The dam, which is currently at 62% progress as opposed to the scheduled 20%, will reduce the risk of debris flows that threaten the safety of the 5,000 residents in Baling Town, he added.
"Contractors have given assurances that the project will be completed two months ahead of the original schedule, at the end of next year… it's rare that such a project develops at such a pace," he told reporters after visiting the project site in his capacity as Kedah state development action council joint chairman near here Saturday (June 28).
He also shared that the flood mitigation plan in Baling district was at 12% development for Phase 1 and 3.68% for Phase 2 so far, with Phase 1, costing RM9.6mil, expected to be completed in November next year and Phase 2, costing RM118mil, expected to be completed in January 2029.
The flood mitigation projects were of utmost importance to the people in Baling as they faced frequent flooding previously, he said.
"In 2024, Baling was hit by 17 incidents of floods… in 2023 only 10 times… according to data from the Irrigation and Drainage Department," he said, pointing out that the flood mitigation plan was part of the Federal Government's efforts to tackle the flooding issue in the district.
Saifuddin Nasution also visited the location where 17 replacement houses and facilities are being built for victims of the debris flow that hit Kampung Iboi on July 4, 2022.
The project, costing RM3mil, is 95% complete, with only the preparation of utilities for the houses remaining, he added.
"It is expected to be done by the third week of July and when it is settled, we will hand the houses to those affected," he said. - Bernama
