Kasa allocates RM1.1m to mitigate floods in Kuala Krai

pic by TMR FILE

THE Environment and Water Ministry (Kasa) is planning to control major floods in Kelantan, especially in Kuala Krai, through the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID).

Kasa Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said his ministry has assisted the state government by channelling allocations to carry out works to reduce the risk of floods.

“For 2022, 15 works have been planned to be implemented in Kuala Krai with an estimated cost of RM1.1 million,” he said in Dewan Rakyat yesterday, in a response to Kuala Krai MP Tuan Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman.

Concurrently, he noted that the river conservation project to reduce flood risks under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) has also been approved by the state and will be given special attention to.

“For long-term planning, DID is also implementing the Sungai Kelantan Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB).”

According to him, the project which began on Jan 29, 2018, is currently at 75% completion, with a cost ceiling of RM699 million.

“Phase 2 of the Sungai Kelantan PLSB will involve the Empangan Lebir component, which contributes 60% of the floods in Kelantan,” he added.

Tuan Ibrahim said Kasa has also conducted the Kelantan Water Resources Development Study Phase 2 via the Water Supply Division.

“This study is to examine the potential development of surface water resources in Kelantan’s river basins for the proposed construction of riverside water reservoir (TAPS).”

Notably, he said TAPS can also be integrated with plans of flood mitigation through its design, as it has additional reservoir space that can accommodate excess flood flow.

“However, the design of TAPS needs to be adjusted so that the quality of the water flowing to the water treatment plant is not affected,” he further said.

Meanwhile, new project applications have also been applied under the Regulatory Period 3 and 12MP with an estimated cost of RM650 million for the TAPS and related works in Kampung Pangkal Mak Wan in Machang, which is subject to the approval of the Economic Planning Unit and the Ministry of Finance.