Kota bharu: The Kelantan government is implementing two main components to address the issue of water supply to the padi fields in stages under the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) which relies on the Kelantan River as the main source of irrigation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Biotechnology and Green Technology Exco, Datuk Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail, announced that two projects are currently being carried out: the construction of the Kemubu 3 Pump Station and the portable pump system project at the Kemubu and Lemal Pump Stations. The Kemubu 3 Pump Station project, managed by Kenanga Lestari Sdn Bhd, began on June 1, 2023, and is expected to be completed by November 25, 2025, with a contract duration of 104 weeks.
The project's physical progress stands at 68 per cent, aligning with the implementation schedule, as stated by Mohd Saripudin during a session at the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly at Kota Darulnaim Complex. He noted that several technical issues at the site necessitated additional work and adjustments to the original plan, such as changes to the cable route, installation of trenches and FSI for the column pump, and addressing the challenge of hard rock on the riverbank that delayed secant pile piling work.
On the other hand, the portable pump project at the Kemubu and Lemal Pump Stations, executed by Ari Usaha Murni Sdn Bhd, commenced on October 21 and is set to complete by August 7, covering a nine-month period. However, its progress is only at 49 per cent, significantly below the target of 99 per cent, with a delay of 136 days or negative 50 per cent. Mohd Saripudin attributed the delay to poor contractor management and the company's unsatisfactory financial flow.
The issue has been escalated to the Contract Coordination Panel (CCP) meeting, chaired by the secretary-general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) on April 30, 2025, and the process of contract termination by the ministry is now underway. The state government, in collaboration with KADA and KPKM, will continue to monitor the project's progress and take necessary actions to ensure timely completion, benefiting farmers and securing the state and national food supply.