RANTAU PANJANG: Phase Two of the Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) in Sungai Golok will continue next year according to its original schedule.
Kelantan Drainage and Irrigation director Kamal Mustapha said this was despite its impact that likely contributed to the severe floods taking place in four villages here.
He said the affected villages were Kampung Gual Periok, Kampung Lanchang, Kampung Tok Deh and Kampung Terusan.
"The bund project in Lanchang area is part of PLSB and we are now in Phase One of the project.
"We realise that the four villages have been badly flooded following the project which has a huge (environmental) impact. But certain areas in Tumpat are safe from the latest floods.
"The government will resume to its original plan for the Phase Two of the project which will begin next year as it has success in reducing flood problems in the vicinity.
"Phase Two entails the construction of floodway, floodwall and bunds," he told reporters when met accompanying Deputy Women and Community Development Minister Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff visiting SK Tok Deh flood relief centre here today.
Kamal said the government, however, would continue to discuss on the short and long term solutions for the arising problems.
"At the moment, we have already discussed the short term solutions needed to be implemented following floods in the villages.
"The move will be carried out as soon as possible to prevent the situation from worsening. Problems like stagnant floodwater is expected to end by Dec 26.
"When the water level of the river Sungai Golok returns to normal, we will evaluate the short term solutions taken," he said.
The RM2.1 billion PLSB in Sungai Golok involved two phases and began its construction last year.