KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) has identified 460 flood hotspots across the state as part of early preparations for the monsoon season.
Its director Osman Abdullah (pic) said several of these locations have been designated as "extra-hot spots" that require close monitoring because of their proximity to major riverbanks and high-risk zones.
He said that in addition to interior areas, several settlements here also recorded the highest number of hotspots because of population density and their proximity to the main drainage network.
"Although there are 460 hotspots in total, we are focusing more on areas near major rivers that are frequently affected during floods," he told the media here on Sunday (Oct 26).
"In addition, we have installed 11 flood warning siren stations at Kampung La (downstream), Besut; Kampung La, Besut; Kampung Nibong, Hulu Terengganu; Kuala Ping, Hulu Terengganu; Pengkalan Ajal, Hulu Terengganu; Paloh Nyior, Hulu Terengganu; PPSK Menerong, Hulu Terengganu; Kampung Langkap, Setiu; Hulu Seladang, Setiu; Pasir Raja, Dungun; and Padang Kubu, Kemaman."
Osman said the siren system operates on two alert levels: an early warning stage and a danger stage, which is activated when water begins to overflow riverbanks.
"We have also conducted engagement sessions with residents to ensure they are aware of the siren’s purpose and how it works,” he said, adding that 10 monitoring stations equipped with web cameras have also been installed in flood-prone areas.
Meanwhile, he said the DID is carrying out maintenance and repair works on the main drainage system with an allocation of RM12.5mil, comprising RM10mil from Putrajaya and RM2.5mil from the state government.
He added that local authorities also play an important role in maintaining internal drainage systems to ensure smooth water flow during the rainy season.
"We have carried out and are continuing with cleaning, silt dredging, and riverbank repair works covering approximately 1,200km of drains, main channels, and rivers statewide.
"However, these works are being implemented in stages depending on priority and the available allocation,” he said. – Bernama
