TNB: Excess volume due to heavy rain discharged for the sake of public safety

Disaster zone: Kemaman is among the worst areas affected by the floods. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Controlled release of water at several Tenaga Nasional Bhd hydroelectric dams is made based on standard operating procedures for the sake of public safety, said the utility company.

Its senior general manager (Corporate and Communication), Datuk Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Amin, said it was carried out through close cooperation between TNB, the local government authorities and relevant agencies.

“The flood occurs not because of TNB’s action in releasing water from its dams. Instead, heavy rain has increased the water level in the affected dams,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said the continuous torrential rain in several states in the peninsula since early this month had increased the water level in several TNB hydroelectric dams.

To date, controlled release of water has been carried out at four TNB dams – Tasik Kenyir (Sultan Mahmud Power Plant), Bersia, Kenering and Chenderoh (Sungai Perak power plants).

“The water at Pergau Dam in Kelantan and Temenggor for the Sungai Perak power stations is still below the release level," he added.

Mohd Aminuddin said besides generating electricity, the main function of TNB dams was to control excess water flow due to non-stop rain.

He said the TNB dams had helped to control the extraordinary flood and a worse disaster from happening.

He gave the assurance that all TNB dams were in good and safe condition.

TNB, he said, would continue to monitor its sub-stations in areas affected by the flood and switch off electricity supply if the water level surpassed the danger level.

He advised the public to give priority to safety and be vigilant, as well as abide by directives issued by the authorities.

For enquiries on TNB service and electricity supply, the public can contact TNB CareLine at 1-5454. — Bernama