Malaysia's Terengganu State Identifies 460 Flood-Prone Locations Ahead of Northeast Monsoon
Terengganu state in Malaysia has identified 460 flood-prone locations ahead of the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to begin on Tuesday.
The Terengganu Department of Irrigation and Drainage has identified 460 locations in the state that are prone to flooding, with Kuala Terengganu having the highest number of at-risk locations at 97, followed by Dungun with 72 and Hulu Terengganu with 63, Malaysia's national news agency Bernama reported.
The department's director, Ir Osman Abdullah, stated that factors contributing to flooding in Terengganu include prolonged heavy rain, high tides, and drainage systems clogged with rubbish and other obstructions.
He also mentioned that development and changes in land use have increased surface runoff, causing water to flow more quickly into low-lying areas.
The RM8 million Northern Terengganu Flood Mitigation Project, funded by the federal government, aims to improve the capacity of the existing drainage system and reduce flood risks in the rapidly developing Kuala Nerus area.
The project is expected to reduce the flood-prone area from 700 hectares to 450 hectares and protect about 3,000 residents in the Gong Badak housing area from flash floods.
Additionally, the Setiu River Mouth Conservation Project, completed on September 1, involved the construction of two breakwaters, beach nourishment works, and improvements to the navigation channel.
The project will help protect the river mouth, reduce the risk of flooding and riverbank erosion, and support local fishing and tourism activities.
Terengganu is one of the states in Malaysia that is frequently affected by flooding during the Northeast Monsoon season, which typically occurs from November to March.
The Malaysian government has been taking steps to mitigate the impact of flooding in the country, including implementing flood mitigation projects and improving drainage systems.