KOTA BHARU - The Kelantan state government has allocated more than RM23 million for drainage system maintenance works statewide in preparation for the monsoon season this year.
State Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin said RM18 million of the allocation was provided by the Federal government through the Kelantan Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) for 174 projects in districts under the river conservation project to reduce flood risks.
He said the projects are currently at the implementation stage and are almost fully completed ahead of the upcoming Northeast Monsoon (MTL).
"In addition, Kelantan DID is also undertaking 82 projects under the state development allocation of RM5.27 million, covering irrigation and drainage schemes, river conservation, the construction and upgrading of flood retention ponds and urban drainage systems, environmentally friendly drainage systems, as well as repairs to stream banks,” he said.
He was replying to a question from Nor Asilah Mohamed Zin (PAS-Limbongan) at the Kelantan state legislative assembly sitting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim here today.
Izani said local authorities are also undertaking early preventive measures, including identifying and maintaining drains and ditches that could pose flood risks.
He said the Kota Bharu Islamic City Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI) had identified high-risk locations in 2025 and carried out maintenance works to ensure the drainage system functioned properly.
"This year, MPKB-BRI is continuing the same approach through regular monitoring, as well as cleaning and maintenance works, particularly at locations requiring immediate attention,” he said.
He said the Ketereh Islamic City District Council (MDKPI) is also coordinating efforts with relevant agencies, including the Public Works Department (JKR), DID and the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA), to clear rubbish, mud, sediment and obstructions that could impede water flow.
Responding to a supplementary question from Mohd Rusli Abdullah (PAS-Wakaf Bharu) on the need to reassess drainage system capacity in view of climate change, extreme rainfall and ongoing development, Izani said existing allocations are mainly focused on maintaining drainage systems that had already been built.
He said the relevant departments have applied for increased allocations, but financial constraints meant that the amounts approved remained limited. - BERNAMA