SLIM RIVER: Early warning sirens will be installed along Sungai Slim to alert residents to potential floods.
State Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said this was among the measures being taken to address flooding.
He said that the matter falls under the purview of the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), and to date, no warning sirens have been installed along the river.
"DID is reviewing the process for implementing early warning sirens so that if such an incident occurs again in the future, we can alert the residents.
"This is also part of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB), but we have yet to determine the exact locations for the sirens," he told reporters after visiting the site today.
PRAB was established following the massive floods of Dec 2014, which affected eight states namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The floods resulted in 25 deaths, over 500,000 evacuations, and damage costs exceeding RM2.85 billion.
Mohammad Nizar said that since the area had previously been affected by the water column, there is a possibility that similar events could occur again.
"Since this area has experienced water column before, it is likely to happen again.
"Therefore, we need to ensure that efforts are made to inform the villagers about early warnings so they can be more cautious and prepared," he said.
It was reported yesterday that scores of people were left stranded after Sungai Geliting water intake burst caused a powerful surge of water, flooding their homes.
The incident also caused 21 people including two babies stranded at the Risda Eco Park in Ulu Slim after a bridge connecting the recreational area collapsed.