KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 14 flood mitigation projects in the east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia are currently delayed due to problems with land acquisition and the relocation of utilities.
Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said there are 26 flood mitigation projects in total across the east coast states, with an overall budget of RM8 billion.
He said one project in Lembah Bertam, Cameron Highlands, Pahang has been completed,
"Ten projects are still in the pre-implementation phase, in which five have been put out for tender, while the other five are still in the design phase.
"Another 15 projects are already in the implementation phase. Of these, one is proceeding as scheduled, but 14 are facing delays due to issues with land acquisition and utility relocation.
"We are actively working to resolve the land issues and expect to address them soon. For the 14 delayed projects, we have granted extensions," he told the Dewan Rakyat in response to Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa).
Marzuk had asked about measures taken by the ministry in resolving the delay in the flood mitigation projects and the direct impact of it, given major floods are forecasted to happen throughout the country, especially in the east coast.
In response to project delays, Fadillah said the ministry was adhering to the guidelines set by the Finance Ministry, which include provisions for granting contractors time extensions.
"We will also be increasing the frequency of meetings with contractors to ensure faster project completion and we will implement stricter monitoring."
As a temporary solution, he said, the Draianage and Irrigation Department was undertaking smaller-scale works as part of river conservation projects aimed at reducing flood risks.
"An allocation of RM70 million has been set for the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang for 2022 and 2023.
"A total of 1,050 quotations have been granted for main works, including river channeling, riverbank stabilisation and the upgrading of river structures to enhance water quality.
"This year, an allocation of RM16.83 million has been made to carry out 391 works, which are scheduled to be completed by December," he said.