Sungai Kelantan PLSB: Phase 1 Expected To Be Completed By September 2026

TUMPAT, May 24 (Bernama) -- Phase 1 of the Sungai Kelantan Integrated River Basin Project (PLSB) has achieved 96 per cent physical progress to date and is expected to be fully completed by September 2026.

Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli said that the development of Phase 1 involves three main components from the federal government's development allocation amounting to RM669 million.

He said the components involve flood mitigation development, environmentally friendly drainage and a 'living river'.

"With the completion of this first phase, it is expected to benefit by protecting around 95,000 residents around the Sungai Kelantan who need to relocate due to floods.

"In addition, it is expected to reduce the estimated physical losses of over RM4 billion per year due to floods once the project is completed," he told reporters after the PETRA Squad Eastern Zone tour to the Sungai Kelantan PLSB Phase 1 area in Kampung Laut here today.

Meanwhile, Drainage and Irrigation Department director-general Mohamad Radzi Abdul said that Phase 2 of the Sungai Kelantan project is now entering the design phase and involves the development of tributaries and drainage around the city of Kota Bharu.

He said the land acquisition process in the affected area is also expected to be carried out as early as the end of next year.

Today's programme also saw the PETRA Squad Eastern Zone visiting the Kota Bharu AEON  Shopping Centre to survey the location of TNB Electron's electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the area.

So far, there are 18 TNB Electron charging locations in Peninsular Malaysia, including fast direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) chargers available for EVs, with five located on the east coast.

The five relevant locations are at the Paka Rest and Service Area (R&R), East Coast Highway 2 Westbound and Northbound, Petron Selising petrol station, Kelantan; Kampung Gemuroh petrol station, Terengganu; and Kota Bharu AEON Shopping Centre.

Earlier, Mad Zaidi officiated the flag-off of participants for the PETRA Squad Eastern Zone convoy, which will take place over two days starting today, at the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) building in Kelantan.

-- BERNAMA