KOTA BHARU, Oct 11 — Adjustments to the scope and design of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin (PLSB) project in Kelantan are among the factors affecting its implementation timeline and cost.

The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) said the adjustments were made to meet current needs, taking into account climate change, infrastructure requirements, actual site conditions and the needs of local residents.

“Among the adjustments made were those involving land acquisition, changes to the project alignment and drainage system capacity to ensure that the project’s design and scope were suited to current conditions and that the flood mitigation system could function more effectively.

“These adjustments are crucial to ensuring that the infrastructure provides reliable, sustainable and safe long-term flood protection for residents in flood-prone areas,” the statement said today.

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, accompanied by senior officials from PETRA and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), visited the project site to assess progress and ensure that work was carried out efficiently, systematically and according to schedule.

The statement said PETRA would continue to ensure that the project was implemented in accordance with the principles of prudent and responsible governance, with the safety and well-being of the people remaining a priority.

“Close cooperation between the Federal Government, through PETRA and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and the state government will continue to be strengthened to ensure that project-related issues are addressed effectively and in a coordinated manner.

“PETRA also welcomes constructive recommendations and feedback from stakeholders to improve the efficiency of project implementation, while ensuring that environmental sustainability and the well-being of the people remain key priorities,” the statement said.

The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public funds were managed prudently, transparently and accountably, with emphasis on the quality of project implementation and benefits to the public.

It said these efforts would be further strengthened to ensure the more effective implementation of water infrastructure and coastal restoration projects, particularly in mitigating the risks of flooding and coastal erosion.

On the project’s implementation status, PETRA said Phase 1 had achieved 73.01 per cent physical progress, while Phases 2 and 3 had recorded 3.16 per cent and 24.18 per cent, respectively.

“Phase 1 is expected to be completed in July 2027, while Phases 2 and 3 are scheduled for completion in October 2028 and April 2029, respectively,” the statement added. — Bernama