KUALA LUMPUR: The delay in the implementation of flood mitigation (RTB) projects on the East Coast is primarily attributed to challenges in land acquisition and the relocation of utilities, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah announced that the land acquisition issues have been resolved, leading to an extension of the contract period for the involved projects. “Regarding the problem on the relocation of utilities, we have received approval from the utility company and we hope that the appointed contractor can transfer the utility immediately so that there is no further extension,” he elaborated during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.

The response came after a query from Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) about the measures being taken by the ministry to address the delay in the flood mitigation project, and the potential impact of
the anticipated major floods, particularly on the East Coast. Fadillah highlighted that there are 26 RTB projects on the East Coast, amounting to a total cost of RM8 billion, including the Bertam Valley RTB project in the Cameron Highlands, Pahang, which has already been completed.