by RUPINDER SINGH
THE Selangor government is advancing a bold RM6 billion proposal to build an underground flood tunnel system modeled after Japan’s successful flood control infrastructure, aiming to mitigate chronic flooding in the Klang Valley.
Submitted to Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof for approval, this Japanese-inspired project would channel excess stormwater from key rivers, such as Sg. Gombak, into underground tunnels that safely direct water into designated basins or to the sea, protecting high-risk urban areas.
The proposal aligns with the federal government’s commitment to flood mitigation.
In Budget 2024, RM11.8 billion was allocated to high-priority projects nationwide, including several in Selangor.
The tunnel project, a significant addition to these efforts, could reshape flood management in Klang Valley, addressing one of the region’s most persistent challenges.
“The existing rivers are unable to cope with extraordinary rainfall that inundates parts of the Klang Valley,” stated Selangor State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee Chairman Izham Hashim, according to CIMB Securities.
This project would also complement current flood control projects in Hulu Langat and Sepang.
Gamuda’s experience with the SMART tunnel, a dual-purpose roadway and floodwater system in Kuala Lumpur, makes it a strong candidate, potentially bringing in its “SMART2” concept, which would cover flood-prone areas in Shah Alam and Setia Alam.
IJM Corp also has a proven track record in water diversion projects, while MRCB is involved in multiple ongoing flood mitigation initiatives.
According to CIMB Securities, “If the state government’s latest flood mitigation request is green-lighted and implemented as a single package with public-private partnership, this may favour the listed contractors with larger balance sheets.”
The success of the Japanese-inspired tunnel could mark a turning point for flood management in Malaysia, encouraging more sustainable, large-scale solutions across urban centers.
For Klang Valley residents, the project promises stronger defenses against severe weather, signaling a proactive shift toward resilience and long-term flood protection.