Govt prepares ahead of flash floods amid continuous rain

DID builds barriers using sandbags along the underground drains in Jalan Sultanah, Johor

by BERNAMA / pic by TMR FILE 

THE Ministry of Environment and Water secretary general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang (picture) said the government has taken several short-term measures for flash floods especially in low-lying areas in Batu Pahat, Johor — such as Parit Johar and Jalan Sultanah. Dr Zaini said that the high tide phenomenon is predicted to occur around the district from yesterday to Wednesday.

The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), he said, has ensured that all six flood control gates function properly and no sediments and rubbish clog the drainage system.

The department has also built barriers using sandbags and carried out sediment suction along the underground drains in Jalan Sultanah.

“The DID also constructed a 200m embankment from Parit Lapis to Taman Nira last year to prevent overflow of Sungai Batu Pahat into the area around Taman Nira, Batu Pahat,” he said.

Separately, the Meteorological Department of Malaysia has issued continuous rain warnings at danger, severe and alert levels for most states until tomorrow. This will affect Johor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Danger-level continuous torrential rain was forecasted in Johor involving the districts of Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian and Johor Baru yesterday.

Severe-level continuous heavy rain is expected to occur in Pahang involving Jerantut, Maran, Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and Rompin; entire Negri Sembilan and Melaka until today.