By rosebell
With the aim of channeling rainwater overflow from Kuala Lumpur, a proposal for creating an underground tunnel system with an investment of MYR6bn ($1.36bn) has been advanced by the Selangor government in Malaysia
The project that is going to decrease flood risks for both the capital’s western areas and parts of the Malaysian state, was submitted to Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who also oversees energy transition and water transformation initiatives and awaits federal approval.
Considering that the flood management systems in Japan, particularly those used in Kawasaki and Saitama, where excess water is channelled into underground tunnels, are the rolemodel of this project, Selangor’s infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman, Izham Hashim, said that his recent visit to these cities demonstrated the model’s effectiveness in controlling urban flooding.
He described the Japanese system as an example of a sustainable long-term solution to flood challenges in Malaysia, reported Utusan Malaysia.
According to Izham: “During my visit to these two Japanese cities, I found it to be very effective and a viable long-term solution for flood management in this country.”
As an ongoing study into viable flood prevention solutions, this tunnel system proposal aligns with Selangor’s broader Water Master Plan.
As an solution for local rivers that are often overwhelmed by high volumes of rain, this infrastructure project seeks to address, Izham explained and he also highlighted that the tunnel project would protect not only Selangor from floods but also Kuala Lumpur, emphasising its dual benefits for both regions.
The approval and funding from the federal government, is required for project’s significant cost, whereas frequent flooding in the Klang Valley region as an ongoing issue that necessitates urgent, innovative solutions.
Izham added: “There is a desire to resolve the problem promptly, given the increasing frequency of floods, and emphasised the need to consider various solutions to address the issue.”
