PLSB Sungai Skudai To Benefit 15,000 Residents, Reduce Flood Risk - Dewan Rakyat Told

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- The RM99.8 million Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project for Sungai Skudai in Johor is expected to benefit about 15,000 residents and reduce flood risks across 50 hectares upon completion, said Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.

He said the project, under the 12th Malaysia Plan, is currently in the pre-implementation stage, involving detailed planning, site investigations and related preparatory work before physical construction begins.

He said a consultant for the detailed planning and site investigations was appointed in May 2025 and is currently preparing the project's concept report.

"Survey works, which began in November 2025, are expected to be completed by May 2027, while the land acquisition process, which commenced in June 2026, is expected to be completed by August this year.

"Based on the current schedule, the procurement process and appointment of the contractor will be carried out after all technical requirements have been fulfilled, with physical works expected to begin in mid-2027," he said during the Dewan Rakyat Special Chamber session today.

He was answering a question from Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) on the project's short-, medium- and long-term impact on residents, particularly in terms of reducing flood risks, restoring the river ecosystem, supporting fishermen's activities and enhancing maritime security operations.

Abdul Rahman said the project is also expected to improve the drainage system's capacity and enhance the management of water flow in Sungai Skudai, thereby reducing flooding in areas frequently affected.

"The project is also expected to contribute to restoring the river ecosystem, improving navigability for local communities, including fishermen, and strengthening the operational capabilities of maritime security and emergency management agencies," he said.

In reply to a supplementary question on assurances that the project would proceed as planned, he said the 46-kilometre river would undergo bank strengthening works, while sections of the river would be widened to about 15 metres to increase flow capacity.

The ministry is also implementing six small-scale projects worth about RM700,000 as interim measures pending the implementation of the main project.

"We have also identified about 50 flood hotspots along the river, including five in the Kulai area. If these hotspots can be effectively addressed, we hope flood risks can be reduced. We will strive to ensure the project proceeds according to schedule and enters the physical implementation phase by mid-2027," he said.

In a separate development, the Ministry of Works said the RM174.53 million Phase Three upgrading project for the Pasir Gudang Highway (FT17) would not involve the acquisition of land owned by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), addressing concerns over possible implementation delays.

Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said works near the railway tracks would instead be carried out under work permits and right-of-way approvals obtained from KTMB.

"There will be no land acquisition involving KTMB property. Throughout the implementation period, the government will apply for work permits and right-of-way approval from KTMB," he said during the same sitting.

He said works in the railway area are scheduled to be carried out from February 2027 to December 2028.

-- BERNAMA