JPS Urged To Assess Sabo Dam Effectiveness After Recent Floods

SUNGAI PETANI, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- The Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) has been urged to reassess the effectiveness of the recently completed Sabo Dam in Titi Hayun, Yan, following its first encounter with heavy rainfall, which highlighted concerns about its ability to mitigate debris flows and flash floods during the rainy season.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said although the Sabo Dam was completed, its capability to manage strong water flows had not been fully tested until the recent downpour.

“This is the first significant rainfall to flow through the dam since its completion. I believe it is now an opportune time for JPS to review its performance.

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“There may be room for improvements in its design or additional measures, such as constructing a second dam, to enhance its effectiveness,” he said during a press conference following the closing ceremony of the Festival Insan Sejahtera here today.

His comments came in response to the recent overflow from the Gunung Jerai mountain range, which affected recreational areas in Titi Hayun and Seri Perigi, as well as four nearby villages.

Muhammad Sanusi also reflected on the debris flow incident three years ago that tragically claimed six lives and left the rivers in the recreational areas shallow and filled with rocks.

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He emphasised that this situation might be compromising the Sabo Dam's ability to effectively control or slow down heavy water flow.

“When the flash floods occurred previously, the rivers became shallow due to accumulated rocks. This could be hindering the dam’s performance. We might need to consider dredging the river again or removing the rocks,” he said.

Addressing the state government’s flood preparedness, Muhammad Sanusi acknowledged that climate change has led to flooding in areas previously unaffected by such disasters.

“For example, in Kampung Iboi, Baling, approval has been granted for the construction of a Sabo Dam, as most of the water flow from Gunung Inas now channels into Sungai Iboi.

"Currently, dredging is being carried out to deepen the river, and these are the preventive measures we are taking. I urge affected residents to remain patient while technical departments like JPS and the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) work on long-term solutions,” he said.

-- BERNAMA