MANAGING FLOOD PROBLEMS IN MALAYSIA

AINUN BARIAH BINTI JAAFAR PISMP MATHEMATIC JANUARY 2012 ENGLISH FOR UNDERGRADUATE (ELE 3101) IPG KAMPUS PEREMPUAN MELAYU

What is Flood?
An overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land (The Oxford English Dictionary) A high level of water which overtops either a natural or an artificial riverbank, or rises above normal levels or sea defences in coastal enviroments (The Oxford Companion to the Earth)

Flood Prone Area in Malaysia

Main Causes of Flooding in Malaysia

1) Torrential rain

2) Monsoon rain

3) Loss of flood storage as a result of development

4) Urbanisation increase surface runoff

5) Inadequate river capacity

6) Inadequate drainage systems or failure of localised drainage

How to control flooding?

(ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS)

STRUCTURAL MEASURES

1) Flood Control Dams

Constructed to retain flood water in order to protect areas downstream of the dams. Dams constructed for hydroelectric purposes also have a portion of their capacity allocated for flood detention.

2) Canalisation And Related Works

Widening and deepening of channels Replacement of undersized structures such as bridges.

3) Flood Diversion Channel Or Tunnel

The SMART system, Alleviate flooding in the city centre by diverting large volumes of flood water from entering the city centre. The tunnel is designed to incorporate a stormwater channel and a motorway for dual purposes. Expected to ease traffic congestion.

NON-STRUCTURAL MEASURES
(NON-ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS)

Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)

Whole river basin is planned in an integrated manner and all factors are taken into consideration when A certain development plan is proposed Implemented starting from the 8th malaysia plan

Preparation Of Guidelines And Design Standards

Urban Stormwater Management Manual (MASMA) has been published by Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (DID) provides control-atsource measures and recommendations on flood fighting

Resettlement Of Population
Reduce damage potential as well as loss of life in floodprone areas

Flood Forecasting And Warning System

practical and low-cost measure to minimise flood losses

QUESTIONS
1) What factors contribute to flood? 2) What are the consequences of flood? 3) How do we manage flood risks?

4) As a man who cares, what steps would you take to reduce this flood problem?

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Chia Chong Wing. (2008). Feature: Managing Flood Problems In Malaysia. Buletin Ingenieur: Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment. Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment. (2013). Retrieve on 10 March 2013 http://www.nre.gov.my/english/Pages/defaultNRE.aspx

Queensland Government. (2013). Understanding floods: questions and answers. Retrieve on 12 March 2013 http://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/publications/under standing-floods.aspx