Penang Tackles Persistent Flooding With New RTB Projects

BUTTERWORTH, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The Penang government is undertaking several flood mitigation (RTB) projects to tackle flash flood issues, particularly in areas prone to frequent inundation.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said these efforts include the completed Bayan Baru RTB Phase 1 project and two major federal mitigation projects : the Sungai Pinang RTB and Sungai Jawi RTB in Seberang Perai, aimed at reducing flood impacts on the island.

“The Sungai Pinang RTB project has commenced and is expected to be completed within two to three years. The Sungai Jawi RTB is currently in the detailed design phase, with completion anticipated by the end of this year and construction set to begin early next year,” he told reporters during the launch of the Sungai Dua National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) here today.

In addition to these major projects, the state government is also implementing several smaller-scale initiatives to further address flood issues in Penang.

Zairil acknowledged that recent heavy rainfall has caused flash floods in various areas on the island and in Seberang Perai, including Bayan Baru.

He added that although the Bayan Baru Phase 1 RTB project has been completed, it has not fully resolved the flooding issues, particularly on roads in Jalan Mahsuri, which continue to suffer from waterlogging due to persistent heavy rain and high tides. 

“This problem occurred because a work scope of the Bayan Baru RTB project was removed after residents raised concerns about preserving existing trees. As a result, the collector drain, which was essential to the project, could not be constructed, leading to ongoing flash flooding in that area,” he explained.

As such, Zairil indicated that the state government is now considering moving forward with the Bayan Baru Phase 2 RTB project, which includes building the collector drain. However, this would necessitate the removal of trees in the area.

Last Saturday, continuous heavy rainfall led to flash floods in various parts of the state, including Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru on the island. Roads affected included Jalan Mayang Pasir, Jalan Mahsuri, Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Kampung Jawa, Lintang Nibong and Sungai Ara. In Seberang Perai, flooding was also reported in Kepala Batas and Bertam.

-- BERNAMA