Targeted measures to fight flash floods

Jalan Tun Abdul Razak was one of the major roads in Johor Baru hit by flash floods on May 25. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

THE Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) will upgrade facilities and drainage at several flood-hit locations as part of its mitigation measures.

Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said high rainfall of 86mm and 72mm were recorded on May 24 and May 25 respectively.

This caused areas such as Taman Larkin Idaman, Kampung Melayu Majidee, Jalan Mahmoodiah, Stulang, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Sentosa and Taman Seri Tebrau to experience flash floods, he said during the MBJB full board meeting.

“The flash flood at Plot A of Taman Larkin Idaman flats was due to a cross culvert being built by the contractor of the ongoing double-tracking rail project there.

“This caused backflow, which led to soil erosion as the temporary culvert could not accommodate the large volume of water.

“A site visit with several government agencies the next day identified the problem.

“We have told the contractor to fix the temporary culvert’s inlet and outlet to ensure smoother water flow and take measures to prevent soil erosion,” he said.

Mohd Noorazam also instructed that gully traps, a basin in the ground which receives wastewater, be fixed as water from the road surface was not flowing into drains effectively.

MBJB also suggested that two pump units at Jalan Keris 2, Taman Seri Tebrau be upgraded as they could no longer accommodate the huge volume of water during heavy rain.

“The recent flash floods was caused by this, coupled with high water level at Sungai Sengkuang so we have to look at building a flood protection barrier at Jalan Kasa.

“We need the cooperation of everyone including developers as there are more projects in the pipeline such as the Rapid Transit System and Bus Rapid Transit, Johor Baru,” said Mohd Noorazam.

Flooding occurred within 10 minutes after the May 25 downpour at 2.15pm, affecting Jalan Tebrau, Jalan Serampang and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

A policeman even had to close vehicle access to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak due to rising floodwaters.