KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad will inspect the Sungai Golok flood mitigation project this weekend after the Auditor-General’s Report flagged delays, cost increases and weaknesses in its implementation.
Abdul Rahman told the Dewan Rakyat today that he would personally visit the project site to assess its latest progress, and invited MPs to join the visit.
READ MORE: Sungai Golok flood protection project delayed until July 2027 – AG Report
“A task force at the JPS level has been set up to monitor project progress, identify implementation issues and problems that arise, and ensure every audit remark and recommendation is acted on and resolved effectively.
“In fact, I myself will go down to see the latest development and progress of this project, and I welcome honourable members to join me in the project site visit this weekend,” he said.
He said Phase 1 of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) had achieved 73.01% physical progress against the scheduled 75.51%, with completion now targeted for July 21, 2027.
However, he said Phases 2 and 3 were ahead of schedule.
Abdul Rahman said Phase 2 had achieved 3.16% progress against the scheduled 2.62%, while Phase 3 stood at 24.18% against the scheduled 16.87%.
He said both phases were targeted for completion within their respective contract periods — Oct 14, 2028 for Phase 2 and April 24, 2029 for Phase 3.
The deputy minister said Phases 2 and 3 would complete the flood protection components under Phase 1.
Abdul Rahman was winding up the debate on the Auditor-General’s Report Series 2/2026 for PETRA, which covered two audit topics under the ministry, namely the Sungai Golok project in Kelantan and the Coastal Restoration Programme.
He said PETRA took note of the audit finding that the Sungai Golok project’s contract value had increased from RM198.02 million to RM601.20 million.
He said the increase involved scope adjustments based on technical requirements and site conditions during implementation, including upgrading Jalan KESBAN to federal road standards, spillway structures, bridge construction and pump-house design coordination.
“Scope and design adjustments were implemented to ensure the infrastructure meets functional, safety and long-term durability requirements, including taking into account the risks of extreme weather and climate change.
“Project implementation was also affected by technical constraints on site, including utility relocation, land acquisition and coordination of construction drawings,” he said.
Abdul Rahman said PETRA, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), had taken and was taking follow-up action to improve project management.
He said coordination in Kelantan had been strengthened through a state-level task force to expedite land acquisition for flood mitigation projects.
He said JPS had also improved early planning and project readiness, including technical requirements, design and soil investigations, to reduce the risk of scope changes, cost increases and delays.
The Auditor-General’s Report found that the Sungai Golok project had not been completed according to the stipulated scope, time, cost and quality requirements, with Phase 1 delayed and granted an extension of time until July 21, 2027.
The report also identified weaknesses in planning, inter-agency coordination, scope changes, contract administration, design control, construction implementation and consultant appointments.
.jpg)