TANJONG MALIM, Nov 2 – Around 1,000 residents are expected to benefit from improved flood protection once the Sungai Bernam Flood Mitigation Project at Pekan Behrang Stesen is completed.
The RM7 million project has reached 97 per cent completion. It is also progressing ahead of its original schedule.
Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the project was already eight per cent ahead of its target as of Oct 20.
He added that construction began on Jan 28 last year. The project is expected to be completed by Jan 11, 2027, without exceeding its approved budget.
Project Aims to Reduce Flood Risks
The project focuses on areas affected by overflowing water from Sungai Bandan.
One of its main features is a 2.5-hectare flood retention pond. The pond can hold approximately 62,500 cubic metres of water.
The project also includes a 775-metre earth bund. This structure will help prevent river water from flowing into nearby residential areas.
Other construction works include river improvements, drainage upgrades and new flood-control facilities.
These include:
- Rehabilitation of a 250-metre stretch of Sungai Bandan.
- Construction of 550 metres of earth drains.
- Installation of 400 metres of U-drains.
- Installation of a new flap gate.
- Upgrading of three existing water-control gates.
- Construction of a 700-metre safety fence.
Flood Protection Designed for 20-Year Standard
Mohammad Nizar said the project was designed around a 20-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI).
This standard helps engineers plan flood protection based on the likelihood of heavy rainfall events.
However, he warned that the project cannot prevent every flood.
Extremely heavy rainfall beyond its design capacity could still cause flooding in the affected areas.
Annual Maintenance to Support Flood Prevention
The Perak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) also carries out regular maintenance at Sungai Pauh and Sungai Bandan.
The maintenance work costs about RM400,000 annually.
The funding comes from both state and federal allocations. These efforts aim to keep waterways and drainage systems in good condition.
Wider Flood Mitigation Plan Under Study
Meanwhile, DID is preparing a master plan for flood mitigation across the Sungai Bernam basin.
The study covers areas in both Perak and Selangor.
It aims to identify locations that face frequent flooding and recommend wider prevention measures.
Possible improvements include rainfall and river-level monitoring systems. Early-warning sirens may also be introduced to alert residents when water levels rise.
The wider plan is expected to support long-term flood management and improve community safety.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
