Audit flags delays and cost overruns in Sungai Golok flood mitigation project
The Auditor General's Report 2/2026 says the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development Project is behind schedule, over budget and plagued by planning weaknesses.
According to the Auditor General's Report 2/2026, the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development Project has not met its original timeline, budget or quality targets. Phase 1 received an Extension of Time pushing completion to July 21 2027, well beyond the Aug 13 2024 date set in the supplementary agreement. Phase 2 suffers similar delays because of slow procurement.
The audit identified systemic flaws in planning, coordination among agencies, scope management, contract administration, design control and consultant oversight. These deficiencies have caused design alterations, rising expenses, delayed implementation, damage to pump-house structures and the erection of temporary facilities, breaching contractual terms. Officials warn that without comprehensive corrective action, flood protection for the basin, agricultural lands and border security could be further postponed, increasing the government's financial burden.
Why it matters
Delays jeopardize flood protection for residents and farms near the Malaysia-Thailand border and could raise public spending.
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