ALOR STAR: The federal government will conduct a thorough analysis of the factors causing delays in the construction of water treatment plants (WTP) in Kedah before considering additional funding, as suggested by the state government.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he intends to discuss the matter with the state's Prime Minister's Department's Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) before making any decisions.
He said there could be various factors contributing to the delays in the projects.
"What are the other contributing factors to the delay? Is it solely due to construction materials, or are there other issues?
"Before we consider proposals for increasing costs and adjusting the budget accordingly, we will base our decision on an analysis of the causes behind such delays.
"If we resolve the issue with costs but other factors remain unaddressed, it won't solve the problem. Thus, we need to look at the situation as a whole, and I will start by discussing this with the state's ICU director," he said during a press conference.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had previously refuted claims that the state's water supply crisis was due to the state government's mismanagement of the WTP construction.
He attributed the delays to escalating costs and stated that contractors had applied for a Variation of Price (VOP), but the lack of approval had hampered construction progress.
Sanusi urged the federal government to expedite the approval of the requested VOP.
Saifuddin also sarcastically praised Sanusi's proposed land bridge project in Sanglang, Kubang Pasu, stating that Kedah is advancing towards realising 'The Greater Kedah' aspirations under Sanusi's leadership.
"Yes, because he has completed the sea reclamation project in Langkawi and, I understand, the motorcycle racing circuit in Sungai Petani as well.
"Alhamdulillah, I've checked with my friend, the Transport Minister, about the Kulim International Airport (KXP) - no formal application has yet been made, but the airport is already perfectly constructed.
"Therefore, with all these projects completed, he should indeed proceed with this new project," he added.
Sanusi had announced the state government's proposal for a land bridge project in Sanglang, Kubang Pasu, to tap into potential economic benefits from Thailand's plan to build seaports and a land bridge to bypass the Straits of Malacca.
The menteri besar expressed confidence in the federal government's wisdom to agree with the proposed land bridge.
