‘Tunnel not answer to JB’s flood problem’

Some parts of Johor Baru were hit by flash floods on May 25. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR Baru city does not need a SMART Tunnel to mitigate flash floods like in the Klang Valley, says an expert.

Environmental consultant and Green Earth Society adviser Joel Lawrence Jayasunthar opined that the tunnel was not a viable option for Johor Baru, which is a coastal city.

“It is better to improve the drainage system in the city instead of spending the money on a SMART Tunnel,” he said when contacted.

Joel, who is also Asian Environmental Solutions Sdn Bhd director (technical operations), pointed out that a comprehensive study was needed to address flash floods in parts of Johor Baru city.

He said the study should include whether the city needed a tidal gate to divert rainwater into the Johor Straits, especially when high tide and a downpour happen concurrently.

Joel stressed that the authorities had to address the issue once and for all.

“They must come up with short-, medium- and long-term solutions for flooding not only in the city but also Johor Baru district,” he added.

Joel said the sewerage system, especially in the old parts of the city, was more than 100 years old and no longer suitable because of the development in downtown Johor Baru and its surrounding areas.

“We cannot stop development from taking place but we need to have a balanced approach that results in a win-win situation for all,” he added.

Joel said strict enforcement by the authorities was important to prevent environmental pollution, apart from educating people to take care of the environment.

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore visiting fellow Dr Serina Rahman said it was vital to protect the mangrove forests as they prevent erosion at coastal areas.

“Mangrove forests will also help to reduce flooding impact on cities like Johor Baru,” she said.

Serina said the state government must keep the mangrove forests along Sungai Pendas, Sungai Pulai and Sungai Johor from diminishing to prevent severe flooding problems.

She added that mangrove forests were also home to countless flora and fauna that depend on an intact ecosystem to survive and the value of these species was priceless.

Serina highlighted that some mangrove forest areas had been damaged and this happened all over the world because of the high value accorded to developments with views of the sea.

“People want to buy these properties so developers will build them and this often leads to mangrove clearing,’’ she added.

She said there were ways to develop with the environment in mind but these were more costly and required extra effort and care.

Johor Baru City Council has said it was taking steps to address flash floods in the city in light of the flooding which occurred on May 25.

Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the council was coming out with short- and long-term flood mitigation measures.

Among the areas affected by flash floods in Johor Baru were Jalan Tebrau, Jalan Serampang, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Taman Larkin Idaman, Kampung Melayu Majidee, Stulang Laut, Jalan Mahmoodiah, Jalan Dato Sulaiman and Taman Sentosa.