GEORGE TOWN: Penang is carrying out interim flood mitigation measures, including riverbank upgrading and desilting works at Sungai Lahar Tiang and Sungai Tembus, says state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Zairil said the measures are being implemented while awaiting the proposed Lahar Endin Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB).
“The Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department has appointed a consultant to undertake a detailed design study to reduce flood risks within the Sungai Lahar Endin basin, including a proposed linkage involving Sungai Lahar Endin and Sungai Lahar Tiang,” he said in a written reply to Bukhori Ghazali (PN-Pinang Tunggal) during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting on Tuesday (May 12).
Zairil said the study is currently at the conceptual design stage and is expected to be completed by December.
In the meantime, he said the Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department has initiated several preventive measures in identified flood hotspots through the River Conservation Programme aimed at reducing flood risks in Sungai Lahar Tiang and Sungai Tembus.
He said the works include upgrading riverbanks and carrying out desilting operations to improve water flow capacity and reduce the risk of overflow during heavy rain.
He added that the proposed flood mitigation project for the Sungai Lahar Endin basin has yet to commence, as physical implementation can only proceed after the detailed design study is completed.
Among the anticipated challenges in implementing the project are identifying the most suitable flood mitigation approach for the river basin, technical design considerations and coordination requirements before physical works can begin.
