Less flood woes once projects completed

KOTA BARU: Flood woes in Kelantan can be effectively reduced by 2022, once Phase I of the integrated river basin development (IRBD) projects in Sungai Golok and Sungai Kelantan are completed.

Kelantan Drainage and Irrigation Department director Kamal Mustapha said the RM800mil flood mitigation projects were proceeding on schedule.

“These are critical flood mitigation projects,” he said when asked to comment on the progress of the projects that could help reduce flood woes in Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Baru, Tanah Merah and Machang.

The RM300mil Sungai Golok IRBD project was implemented in April this year, while the RM500mil IRBD Sungai Kelantan project started in January.

“Both projects are in progress according to the scheduled timeframe,” said Kamal.

As it would take about 40 months to complete the first phase, residents living in flood-prone areas have to bear with any evacuation exercise during the coming monsoon season.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Nazili Mahmood urged flood victims not to adopt the “wait and see” attitude.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate. Leave early to minimise risk and untoward incidents,” he said.

Nazili said they had enough boats for “normal operations”.

“But in the event of extraordinary floodings, we will source from neighbouring states,” he said.