PUTRAJAYA: The dam safety flying squad conducted inspections from 2021 to 2022 and identified eight dams that have been damaged, posing a potential threat to residents and property if they were to fail.
The eight dams in question are the Muda and Ahning Dams in Kedah, Jor and Mahang Dams in Perak, Sultan Abu Bakar Dam in Pahang, Babagon Dam in Sabah, Bakun Dam in Sarawak, and Kenyir Dam in Terengganu.
According to the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, the inspection results revealed issues such as high sediment formation in the reservoir, damage to instrumentation and water control equipment, seepage, damage to the integrity of concrete structures, soil erosion, and signs of collapse.
In a statement released on Monday (Oct 2), the ministry stated, “The cost of repair and maintenance for the eight dams is estimated at RM135.82mil, and the dam owners must allocate a special provision for maintenance purposes.
“As an interim measure, the federal government is willing to consider providing financial support to dam owners who lack the financial resources if there is an urgent need.”
The ministry plans to continue utilizing the flying squad to inspect other dams, particularly those exceeding 50 years of age.
Additionally, the ministry intends to enhance the structure and responsibilities of the flying squad, transforming it into a permanent entity known as the Dam Technical Centre (DTC).
The flying squad currently operates as an ad-hoc body coordinated by the ministry’s Water Supply Division (BBA) and consists of experts from various technical departments, including the Public Works Department (JKR), the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (Nahrim), the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), and private parties.
According to the ministry, the dam inspections conducted by the flying squad adhere to the dam safety inspection guidelines outlined by the JPS, specifically the Malaysia Dam Safety Management Guidelines (MyDams).- Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
