The RM99.8 million Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project for Sungai Skudai in Johor is expected to benefit approximately 15,000 residents and reduce flood risks across 50 hectares once completed, according to Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
He stated that the project, which is part of the 12th Malaysia Plan, is currently in the pre-implementation stage, which includes detailed planning, site investigations, and other preparatory work before physical construction can begin.
He stated that a consultant for detailed planning and site investigations was appointed in May 2025 and is currently working on the project’s concept report.
“The survey work, which began in November 2025, is expected to be completed by May 2027, and the land acquisition process, which began in June 2026, is expected to be completed by August of this year.”
“Based on the current schedule, the procurement process and contractor appointment will take place after all technical requirements are met, with physical work expected to begin in mid-2027,” he stated during a Dewan Rakyat Special Chamber session.
He was responding to a question from Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) about the project’s short-, medium-, and long-term effects on residents, specifically in terms of reducing flood risks, restoring the river ecosystem, assisting fishermen, and improving maritime security operations.
According to Abdul Rahman, the project will also increase the capacity of the drainage system and improve water flow management in Sungai Skudai, reducing flooding in areas that are frequently affected.
“The project will also help to restore the river ecosystem, improve navigability for local communities, including fishermen, and strengthen the operational capabilities of maritime security and emergency management agencies,” he said.
In response to a follow-up question about assurances that the project would proceed as planned, he stated that the 46-kilometre river would undergo bank strengthening work, and sections of the river would be widened to about 15 metres to increase flow capacity.
In addition, the ministry is implementing six small-scale projects totalling approximately RM700,000 as interim measures while the main project is being implemented.
“We have also identified approximately 50 flood hotspots along the river, including five in the Kulai area. We hope that by effectively addressing these hotspots, we can reduce flood risk. We will make every effort to ensure that the project runs on time and enters the physical implementation phase by mid-2027,” he said.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Works announced that the RM174.53 million Phase Three upgrading project for the Pasir Gudang Highway (FT17) would not require the acquisition of land owned by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), allaying concerns about potential implementation delays.
According to Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, works near the railway tracks will be carried out under work permits and right-of-way approvals obtained from KTMB.
“There will be no land acquisitions on KTMB property. During the implementation period, the government will apply for work permits and right-of-way approval from KTMB,” he stated at the same meeting.
He stated that work on the railway will take place between February 2027 and December 2028.
 project for Sungai Skudai in Johor is expected to benefit approximately 15,000 residents and reduce flood risks across 50 hectares once completed){kind=link}