GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government will propose that its two city councils make it mandatory for private driveways and public walkways to be installed with an “interlocking brakes” system to curb rainwater run-off, to prevent flash floods.
Exco Phee Boon Poh said this is part of the state’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, which has caused more severe rain that ends up damaging properties and endangering lives.
The said system acts as a shield against excess run-off from surfaces, he told The Vibes.
“The interlocking brakes can prevent tremendous water run-off on surfaces. They can then be released automatically once the earth is able to absorb the excess water.”
Through sensors, the system can also be linked to river levels, he said.
He said the concept should be made compulsory for all future development projects in Penang, as the pattern of heavy rainfall is expected to continue due to global warming.
It should be enforced especially for hillside projects and farms built on slopes, so as to guard against erosion, which triggers landslides, said Phee.
He said Penang will also work on enlarging Sg Jelutong.
His comments come after the state was again inundated with floods last night. There were also at least two minor landslides in Tg Bungah here.
Meanwhile, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) urged motorists to avoid the winding road on the hill where the Guillemard Reservoir in Tg Bungah is located, following a landslide in the area.
A wide section of the slope, measuring about 10m in height and 9m in width, collapsed some 50m from the entrance of the reservoir about 9.30pm yesterday, scattering debris along a section of the route.
A 1.5km section of the road was temporarily closed today for emergency clearing works by Public Works Department and PBAPP personnel. – The Vibes, September 29, 2021
