Latest news with #IrrigationandDrainageDepartment
The Star
04-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Flood-prone Kg Lubok Kasau to get RM1.5mil flood mitigation project, says Melaka CM
JASIN: Long plagued by repeated floods, villagers in Kampung Lubok Kasau here can expect much-needed relief with the launch of a major flood mitigation project next month, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh says. The Melaka Chief Minister said more than 300 villagers stand to benefit from the RM1.5mil initiative, which will be funded through an emergency allocation by the Irrigation and Drainage Department. 'This is an extraordinary step to protect the safety and well-being of our people. Kampung Lubok Kasau has been hit by floods three times between this March and April alone,' he said after visiting the project site on Friday (July 4). Ab Rauf said the works will include deepening Sungai Bemban by stabilising riverbanks and raising a 2.2km embankment to reduce the risk of future flooding. "Work at the site is slated to begin on August 1 with completion targeted for November," he said. He said that the state government is also preparing a long-term strategy to address flood risks in the area. "A proposal has been submitted under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) for a detailed study of drainage and flood risk management, covering Kampung Lubok Kasau, Kampung Asam Kumbang and other flood-prone areas within the Bemban constituency. 'The findings will provide the foundation for a comprehensive, sustainable solution to safeguard nearby communities,' he added.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabo dam in Baling to finish early, boosting flood safety
BALING: The RM22.80 million Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang is set for early completion, offering enhanced flood protection for Baling's 5,000 residents. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the project is now 62% complete, surpassing the initial 20% target. Contractors have assured the dam will be ready two months ahead of schedule by late next year. 'It's rare for such projects to progress this swiftly,' Saifuddin said during a site visit as Kedah state development action council joint chairman. He also shared updates on Baling's flood mitigation plan. Phase 1, costing RM9.6 million, is 12% complete and set for November 2025, while Phase 2 (RM118 million) is at 3.68% progress, with a 2029 deadline. 'Baling recorded 17 floods in 2024 alone, up from 10 in 2023,' he noted, citing Irrigation and Drainage Department data. Additionally, Saifuddin inspected 17 replacement homes for Kampung Iboi's 2022 debris flow victims. The RM3 million project is 95% done, with utility works pending before handover by mid-July.
The Star
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Baling Sabo Dam expected to be completed ahead of schedule, says Saifuddin Nasution
BALING: The RM22.80mil Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang near here is expected to be completed ahead of schedule, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The dam, which is currently at 62% progress as opposed to the scheduled 20%, will reduce the risk of debris flows that threaten the safety of the 5,000 residents in Baling Town, he added. "Contractors have given assurances that the project will be completed two months ahead of the original schedule, at the end of next year… it's rare that such a project develops at such a pace," he told reporters after visiting the project site in his capacity as Kedah state development action council joint chairman near here Saturday (June 28). He also shared that the flood mitigation plan in Baling district was at 12% development for Phase 1 and 3.68% for Phase 2 so far, with Phase 1, costing RM9.6mil, expected to be completed in November next year and Phase 2, costing RM118mil, expected to be completed in January 2029. The flood mitigation projects were of utmost importance to the people in Baling as they faced frequent flooding previously, he said. "In 2024, Baling was hit by 17 incidents of floods… in 2023 only 10 times… according to data from the Irrigation and Drainage Department," he said, pointing out that the flood mitigation plan was part of the Federal Government's efforts to tackle the flooding issue in the district. Saifuddin Nasution also visited the location where 17 replacement houses and facilities are being built for victims of the debris flow that hit Kampung Iboi on July 4, 2022. The project, costing RM3mil, is 95% complete, with only the preparation of utilities for the houses remaining, he added. "It is expected to be done by the third week of July and when it is settled, we will hand the houses to those affected," he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
572 fire hotspots identified nationwide, over 3,200 cases recorded
SHAH ALAM: The Fire and Rescue Department has identified 572 open fire hotspots nationwide based on incidents recorded over the past three years. Its director Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said these locations in Selangor, Johor, Perak, Kedah and Sabah have been frequently affected by open fires. "We have directed all fire stations to remain on high alert, particularly in these hotspot areas. "All logistics are being prepared to ensure swift action, especially in the early stages of any outbreak. "At the same time, we are working closely with the District and Land Office, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and other relevant agencies to coordinate firefighting efforts and asset deployment," he said after the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Medal Award Ceremony. At the event, 277 officers and personnel from Selangor received certificates of appreciation, comprising 102 recipients of the Fire and Rescue Service Medal, 116 recipients of the Excellent Service Medal, 29 recipients of the 30 Years of Service Award, and 12 recipients of the Commendable Service Award. Nor Hisham said open burning incidents involved fires affecting rubbish, shrubs, forests and peatland. "As of May 15, there have been 3,261 open burning cases nationwide, comprising 2,917 cases of bush and grass fires, 229 forest fires, and 115 orchard and plantation fires." Meanwhile, commenting on the latest developments regarding the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Nor Hisham said the authorities are still awaiting the results of the hardness test on specimens sent to the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia. "Officially, we have not yet received information from the Occupational Safety and Health Department. "Once we have the results, we will combine them with findings from their department and ours to determine the next course of action," he said. A total of 130 units of fire department quarters will be built in Kota Kemuning and Shah Alam, with the tender process by the Public Works Department scheduled for March 2026, he said. "The construction of these quarters is expected to resolve the housing issues faced by officers and personnel in the Sepang and Petaling districts. "As of now, there are 430 existing fire department quarters in Selangor, with 66 applications on the waiting list since 2023," he said.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
A storm is coming, act now
IN 2006, former US Vice President Al Gore released An Inconvenient Truth, a gripping visual and literary presentation that opened millions of eyes to the growing threat of global warming. It was more than just a book; it was a wake-up call. For me, it held a personal weight. My late father owned a copy, its pages worn and corners folded from repeated readings. He used to say: 'The planet speaks – we just need to listen.' Once upon a time, the world was worried about the thinning ozone layer. Schoolchildren were taught about the dangers of CFCs or chlorofluoro-carbons and how they punched holes in our atmospheric shield. The world banded together, signed the Montreal Protocol, and slowly, we began to heal the ozone. That success gave us a sense of triumph; a belief that we had solved the big environmental problem of our time. However, as years passed, a new threat emerged – climate change. Unlike the ozone issue, it did not come with a single chemical to ban. It was complex, inconvenient to our modern lives and easy to ignore. We dismissed the warnings, called it seasonal heat and built bigger drains. But the weather has changed. It is no longer something we can plan around. It is something we are forced to react to. Unpredictable weather patterns Malaysia is no stranger to rain and heat but recent years have seen more erratic shifts. According to the Meteorological Department, average temperatures have steadily increased across the country. What used to be predictable seasons are now punctuated by long droughts and intense downpours. Even experienced forecasters struggle with the increasing volatility. Monsoon extremes and flooding Once dependable, the monsoon now brings destruction. Between November 2024 and January 2025, over 122,000 people were displaced by floods in Kelantan, Terengganu and Sarawak. Homes disappeared, roads collapsed and shelters overflowed. These disasters now recur annually, bringing with them massive economic losses and social disruptions. The Irrigation and Drainage Department has stepped up mitigation efforts but infrastructure alone cannot stop climate extremes without addressing root causes. Emergence of tornado-like phenomena Malaysia is not known for tornadoes, yet in March 2025, Sekinchan, Selangor, experienced two twisters within a week. The second incident damaged over 30 homes. Experts said this may become more common due to warmer temperatures and shifting wind patterns. These events show that climate disruptions are no longer limited to familiar patterns – they are evolving fast. Health and economic impacts Rising heat brings more than discomfort – it brings health risks. Heat-related illnesses are increasing. Agriculture and fisheries, critical to rural economies, suffer from unpredictable yields. Food prices are climbing. Jobs are lost. Livelihoods are destabilised. National policy and international commitments Malaysia has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45% by 2030. The national climate change policy emphasises green technology and urban resilience. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, steps are being taken towards low-carbon initiatives and disaster risk reduction. Yet, implementation faces hurdles like bureaucratic delays and lack of public awareness that often slows progress. Small actions, big impact As Al Gore emphasised, change begins with individuals. Here is how we can help: Use energy wisely: Switch to energy-efficient appliances and unplug devices. Travel smarter: By walking, biking or taking public transport. Waste less: Refuse single-use plastics. Compost and recycle where possible. Support renewables: Encourage solar energy adoption at homes and in our community. Conserve water: Fix leaks. Use water-saving taps. Promote awareness: Engage in conversations about climate issues and support environmental NGOs. Listening to the Earth My father treasured An Inconvenient Truth not just for its facts but its heart. 'The science is there', he said, 'but what matters is whether we care enough to act'. Malaysia is already seeing the effects of climate change – in our skies, on our land and in our communities. The Sekinchan twister, the floods, the sweltering heat – these are no longer warnings. They are consequences. Let this serve as a reminder and a call to action – a pledge that we did not stay silent when the storm arrived. Because it is already here. Dr Jehana Ermy Jamaluddin is a senior lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering and director of the Centre for Academic Advancement and Flexible Learning, Universiti Tenaga Nasional. This article is written in loving memory of Allahyarham Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Md Jahi, the beloved father of the writer, in honour of the legacy he so passionately lived and left behind.
