KUANTAN: The Sungai Lembing flood mitigation project is among 40 projects costing RM5.9 billion approved for Pahang by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry under the 12th Malaysian Plan.
Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said 28 extensions and 12 new projects were approved under the fourth rolling plan of the 12th Malaysian Plan.
"The approved projects include flood mitigation, river and coastal conservation, sewerage system and water supply.
"Twenty-five projects are under the Drainage and Irrigation Department, comprising 13 extensions and 12 new projects at a cost of RM4.14 billion.
"The RM126 million Sungai Lembing flood mitigation project, which began this year, is in the planning and design stages. It is set for completion by the end of 2026 or early 2027," he said after handing over three Drainage and Irrigation Department projects to the state government here today.
When Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah visited flooded areas near Sungai Lembing earlier this year, he ordered for the flood mitigation project for the former tin mining town to be sped up.
On the three completed projects, Akmal Nasrullah said the Lembah Bertam-Sungai Ringlet flood mitigation project in Cameron Highlands involved upgrading a 1.1km stretch along Sungai Ringlet and six bridges to curb flash and mud floods.
"The RM50 million project will help protect an area measuring 71,227ha in the Tanah Rata, Ringlet and Hulu Telom sub-districts.
"The other two projects are Package One of the Sungai Kuantan integrated river basin development project to upgrade Sungai Belat and build a 14km flood prevention structure at a cost of RM108.96 million and works to mitigate coastal erosion along a 1.2km stretch in Pantai Sepat at a cost of RM1.57 million.
"All three projects have been completed. The handing over ceremony today is significant, showing that the government is aware of issues and provides solutions."
Present was Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim.