KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — Delays in flood mitigation projects in the east coast are due to problems with land acquisition and utilities relocation, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said land acquisition issues have been resolved and the contract period of the project involved has been extended.
“Regarding the problem of the relocation of utilities, we have received approval from the utility company and we hope the appointed contractor can transfer the utility immediately so that there is no further extension,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) on measures taken by the ministry to resolve the delay in flood mitigation projects and the impact of the delays, ahead of major floods expected to hit the country, especially the east coast.
Fadillah said there are 26 flood mitigation projects on the east coast, involving a cost of RM8 billion, including the Bertam Valley project in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, which is completed.
Fadillah said if there is any delay in the project implementation, the ministry will act in line with the Treasury Circular issued by the Finance Ministry on procurement procedures and contract administration, which, among others, allows the extension period of the project implementation.
“The ministry will also hold more frequent meetings with contractors to ensure that the implementation of the project is expedited, in addition to conducting close monitoring,” he said.
Apart from the projects, he said, as a short-term solution, the Irrigation and Drainage Department carried out minor works under the River Conservation Project to Reduce Flood Risk.
According to Fadillah, RM77 million was spent in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang from 2022 until 2023 to carry out, among others, river channelling, stabilising river banks, and upgrading channels and related structures to improve river water quality.
“This year, RM16.83 million was allocated to carry out 391 tenders,” he said.
In response to a supplementary question from Marzuk regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in reducing the impact of floods, Fadillah said it is covered in the development of the national flood forecasting and warning system and AI flood forecasting system.
“With this system, data collected will be accessed via computer and we can make early predictions of where and when floods will occur, this (information) will be shared with government agencies and the public,” he said
— Bernama
