Kuala Lumpur: The government can save RM1.7 billion by expediting the implementation of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin (PLSB) project, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He highlighted the potential savings following the government's decision to consolidate all three phases of the flood mitigation project, including the phase managed by the National Security Council.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sungai Golok PLSB project involves collaboration between the Malaysian and Thai governments, focusing on the dredging and cleaning of the Sungai Golok estuary. Anwar emphasized that by expediting and consolidating the project's phases, significant savings could be achieved. He stressed the importance of governance and transparency throughout the project during the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Prime Minister also noted that the Kelantan government has assured a fast-tracked land acquisition process for the project, reducing the timeline from the usual 24 months to just six. Responding to a question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar) about proactive flood mitigation measures, Anwar explained that the government had opted to accelerate the project's third phase, originally planned for 2027, to minimize potential losses. This acceleration is contingent upon the expedited completion of the land acquisition process.
Anwar mentioned that while land acquisition typically takes up to two years, the aim is to complete it within six months to commence the project sooner. He also discussed the High Priority Flood Mitigation (TBBT) project, which involves RM1.64 billion for Segamat, Batu Pahat, and Ledang. Here, expedited land acquisition has allowed for a 12-month earlier start than initially scheduled.
In response to Syed Saddiq's supplementary question regarding Malaysia's role as ASEAN chairman, Anwar stated that Malaysia would continue its efforts on climate change issues, despite the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. He conveyed that ASEAN's consensus remains unchanged, even if influencing American policy may be overly ambitious.
In other developments, Anwar revealed that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's appointment to head Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship advisory team could provide valuable assistance. Thaksin's efforts in the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang project and his recent visit to Southern Thailand to address the Tak Bai issue demonstrated his commitment to resolving regional conflicts peacefully and fairly.