Seberang perai: The completion of a RM2.7 million Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) project in Taman Sejahtera is set to resolve flash flood issues that have affected approximately 500 residents over the past 13 years, as announced by state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Taman Sejahtera has been identified as a flood "hotspot," experiencing up to nine incidents annually, with water levels reaching 300 millimetres during heavy rains. The Seberang Perai City Council secured funding via the State Executive Council Flood Mitigation Committee, with the project receiving approval on May 10, 2022, and being fully funded through the state government's Drainage Contribution Fund at a total cost of RM2.7 million.

Physical work on the project commenced on April 19, 2023. Despite encountering five schedule changes due to technical challenges and the need for utility relocation, the project reached completion on September 25 last year. The project's primary focus was comprehensive engineering work to ensure the drainage system could handle high rainfall rates, averaging 65mm per hour. This included upgrading the drainage system with U-drains and box culverts along Lorong Sejahtera 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 24A, 25, and Jalan Sejahtera 4.

The project also saw the enhancement of an existing 959 square metre retention pond and the construction of a new 666.6-square metre retention pond. Additional work included upgrading entrance floors of nearly 500 residences, resurfacing roads along affected areas, and executing utility relocation tasks.

During the visit, Machang Bubok state assemblyman Lee Khai Loon emphasized the project's significance and its impact on the well-being of residents in 100 housing units that have long contended with flooding issues. He noted that Taman Sejahtera, a housing estate over 30 years old, had drainage systems inadequate for heavy rainfall, but the project has notably reduced flood risks.