PITAS, February 24, 2026 — The statement by YBhg Datuk Hj. Harun Bin Hj. Ismail regarding the Permanent Disaster Relocation Centre (PPKB) project in Pitas has sparked an open debate as he questioned the actual status of the implementation of the project approved under the Madani Budget 2024.
According to him, the RM6.9 million project was approved on October 13, 2023, and the ground-breaking ceremony was held on November 12, 2023. However, based on the official records he referred to, the actual start date of implementation was recorded as March 6, 2025, with the completion date scheduled for July 6, 2026.
He questioned why the physical implementation only began nearly one and a half years after the approval and where the claim that the project would only be completed in 2027 originated. Among the questions raised were the level of progress at the site, project management efficiency, contractor appointments, and implementation monitoring.
Datuk Harun emphasized that the call was not to politicize the issue, but rather as part of a checks and balances process to ensure public funds are managed efficiently, transparently, and according to the original plan. [Official Statement here]
However, a statement published by the "Bumi Pitas" Page on February 22, 2026, defended the implementation of the project and denied any delays.
According to the statement:
“The Pitas district (PPKB) project is proceeding on schedule, and the completion period displayed on the project sign is in 2027. There is no issue of delay here, only a problem of dirty hearts.”
This issue also received reactions from social media users. A Facebook user, Jontiri Koloiyo Molingkum, left a comment supporting Datuk Harun's statement by writing:
“It's good that Datuk Harun Ismail is speaking up; at least there are people in Pitas who care about the project that has yet to be completed. According to the completion date displayed, it is July 6, 2026, not 2027. Given the current status, we are still skeptical about the construction progress, which is only at the framework stage. There definitely seems to be a problem there. That's why we need someone brave enough to raise the necessary issues for the comfort of the residents of Pitas when faced with disasters like floods and others. We only hope that this construction continues successfully and meets the criteria for complete and comfortable facilities as specified in the provisions. Greetings to healthy thoughts, rejecting negative thoughts.”
Another user, Abd Majit, also stated:
“Well done Datuk Harun Ismail..keep speaking up for the people of Pitas..I am also puzzled why this project seems to be slow in implementation when Pitas is often hit by floods every year..The roads are getting worse day by day and it seems like there is no solution in sight.”
So far, there has been no official statement from the project implementers to clarify the difference in completion dates mentioned between July 6, 2026, and 2027.
This open debate reflects the concerns of some members of the Pitas community regarding the preparedness of the permanent relocation facilities, especially when the district frequently faces flood disasters.
