KOTA BARU: Two mega projects to address flood issues in Kelantan have been categorised as 'sick projects'.
Jasri Kasim, the director of the Kelantan Development Office of the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department, said the first phases of the Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok integrated river basin development projects have been delayed.
He said the Sungai Kelantan project was delayed 193 days and the Sungai Golok project had been delayed by 177 days.
These, he said, were among seven sick projects identified in Kelantan under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
"Under 12MP, there was 447 projects in Kelantan worth about RM2.57 billion. From the number, 101 projects have completed, 180 are under construction while 164 are about to start.
"Out of the 447 projects, seven have been classified as 'sick projects', including two to address the flood issue, the 2B highway package from Kota Baru to Kuala Krai and the Sungai Durian bridge project," he said at a media briefing on the department's role and function in Tunjung, here.
Also present was Kelantan Information Department director Mohd Nur Aswadi Md Nor.
Jasri said the projects were classified as sick due to several factors, including issues with contractors and land acquisition.
"The Sungai Kelantan project is now 92.07 per cent completed while the project in Sungai Golok is about 76 per cent, when they should be at 98 per cent and 85 per cent," he said.
He said good cooperation between the state and federal governments was needed to help solve the delay, especially when it involves land acquisition.
