RESIDENTS in Penampang, Sabah, are feeling jittery over a viral message that water will be released from the Babagon Dam there following days of heavy rainfall.
"Siren warning activated for Babagon Dam. The dam... will be opened to release the water. No choice. Take care, all,” the message reads.
Water that is released from dams, usually through a spillway, travels with considerable force and might have adverse effects if not properly managed.
There is a possibility of flooding, ecosystem damage and safety risks to those downstream from the spillway.
However, is water actually being released from the dam as claimed?
VERDICT:
FALSE
In the first place, the dam is not designed to release water, according to a representative of the concessionaire.
Jetama Sdn Bhd senior general manager (Concession and Operations) and engineer Lo Ho Min clarified on Monday (Sept 15) that when the dam is full, sirens are triggered to warn people to stay away from the river.
“This dam is a reservoir to store water to supply to the people.
"It is a water catchment area and it is not designed to 'release' water when full," he explained.
Instead, the excess water from rainfall naturally overflows from the dam into Sungai Babagon, he added.
Lo said this river is a tributary of Sungai Moyog.
“Babagon Dam is full, so this is not a release; it’s just overflowing," he stressed.
He urged the public to verify any messages they receive and only share accurate information to avoid unnecessary panic and confusion.
He also advised the people to exercise caution during this rainy season.
