Water surge: Perak plans to install warning sirens along Sungai Slim

TANJUNG MALIM: The Perak state government plans to install warning sirens along Sungai Slim to ensure residents are better prepared for disasters, particularly floods and water surges.

State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the Irrigation and Drainage Department is currently assessing suitable locations for the sirens under the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme.

“The implementation of the programme will provide ample time for government agencies and residents to take early action in the event of flooding,” he told reporters after inspecting the Slim Village Bridge, which collapsed due to a water surge incident on Friday (Aug 23).

Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, who is also Tanjung Malim Member of Parliament, and Perak Water Board general manager Lokman Abd Rahim.

Continuous heavy rain since Friday afternoon caused flooding and a water surge, leading to the collapse of three bridges, damage to the water intake structure of the Sungai Geliting water treatment plant, and hundreds of residents being trapped.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nizar said that the water supply disruptions affecting 10,000 user accounts in Muallim district have been resolved by 40% as of 6pm on Saturday (Aug 24).

He said the state water board expects the water supply to be gradually restored to consumers beginning Sunday (Aug 25). – Bernama