Climate change has flipped Malaysia’s weather pattern on its head, while the rainy season has extended beyond the usual months on the West Coast, the dry heat season is now upon us and is expected to continue into May.
The unexpected phenomena recently left Selangor in a state of devastation with unprecedented flooding and sadly even lives were lost. Unfortunately, this will not be a one-off incident as experts predict more situations will be occurring and could even increase in intensity. However, while we can be alarmed by flooding and heavy rain adding to the woes is there is strong evidence that Malaysia especially the West Coast might be enduring serious drought in the next 2-3 years.
In efforts to beef up infrastructure and prepare for the onslaught, the State Government is planning for long-term measures to overcome the flood problem through an allocation of more than RM7 billion. Infrastructure EXCO Ir Izham Hashim said the project also included water resources management as the drought phenomenon was predicted to occur in 2025.
Izham said the projects will be carried out comprehensively, not only for flood management strategies but also for water storage in lakes, ponds, or tunnels in preparation for the dry season. Adding among the process the State will be conducting is the deepening of the Klang River up to Kuala Lumpur which involves approximately RM700 million, including the strengthening of bunds and river banks.
There are also plans on constructing tunnels to increase the water flow in Shah Alam which will involve another RM2 billion, experts have agreed that the best way to disperse water quickly out of low lying areas like Taman Sri Muda will be through underground tunnels sending water to retention ponds before diverting them into the Klang River.
Recently, Dato ‘Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the flood mitigation project in the state would also begin with the process of deepening the Klang River which is the main waterway in the State.
