Following the recent heartbreaking accident at Sungai Korok that claimed the lives of six family members, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has proposed a more natural and cost-effective solution to improve safety along the canal.
Planting bamboo as a barrier
Rather than solely relying on installing guardrails, Sanusi suggested planting buluh madu (sweet bamboo) trees along the canal’s edge.
He said the bamboo could act as a natural barrier to prevent vehicles from plunging into the water while also serving as a landscape feature.
Reported by Harian Metro, Sanusi explained that the method is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, particularly in areas where there is still land reserve near the canal.
Guardrails are costly
The MB explained that installing guardrails could cost up to RM400,000 per kilometre — and up to RM6 million for a full 15km stretch.
While bamboo takes longer to mature, he said it’s a more feasible option if funds are limited.
If there’s no budget for guardrails, it may be delayed or not done at all,” he said.
He also plans to submit the proposal to the Public Works Department (JKR) for technical evaluation.
Different areas, different needs
Sanusi acknowledged that not all stretches of road would be suitable for bamboo. In narrower or riskier areas, guardrails might still be necessary.
“There are places where there’s enough land to plant bamboo. But in tight, high-risk zones, guardrails may still be the best option. It depends on the location and available funds,” he said.
Raised embankment also suggested
Some have also proposed building a soil embankment to act as a physical barrier.
According to Sanusi, this could help slow down vehicles and prevent them from plunging into the canal.
Even if a vehicle is going at 50 km/h, it would likely stop if there’s an earthen wall. That’s one of the options we’ll consider,” he added.
Safety upgrades under review
Just a day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government would look into installing street lights and guardrails along roads near Sungai Korok.
The proposal is expected to be forwarded to JKR for further action.
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