KUALA LUMPUR: Experts are urging a comprehensive reassessment of the embankment at the Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) in Sungai Golok following its recent structural collapse.
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin's East Coast Environmental Research Institute (ESERI) fellow researcher, Ir Dr Azimah Ismail, stressed the importance of structural engineers from the relevant agency conducting a thorough restudy of the design for future repairs.
She recommended investing in the construction and maintenance of robust river embankments, incorporating engineering solutions that consider changing weather patterns and potential climate impacts.
"To enhance embankment stability and reduce the risk of collapse, it is timely to implement soil erosion control measures alongside usage of advanced technologies like remote sensing, satellite imagery, and predictive modelling.
"This is significant in monitoring river conditions and identifying potential vulnerabilities in embankments.
"Besides, geographic information system (GIS) tools are also recommended for better visualisation and analysis of risk factors," said when contacted by New Straits Times.
The collapsed Phase 2 of the Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) embankment at Sungai Golok in Kampung Lanchang occurred on Dec 27. The Kelantan Drainage and Irrigation Department said the collapsed embankment has a width of 20 metres.
This is not the first instance of the PLSB embankment at Sungai Golok facing such challenges.
On Dec 21, 2022, a segment of the embankment connected to Phase 1 of the project along Sungai Golok in Kampung Tersang ruptured due to forceful currents resulting from flooding.
The PLSB project was first initiated to address various aspects of river basin management, including water resources management, flood control, environmental conservation, agriculture, erosion control, and community development.
Phase 1 of the PLSB project covers the downstream of the Sungai Golok basin in the Tumpat district and partly in the Pasir Mas district, with a total allocation of RM656 million. Meanwhile, Phase 2 involves an allocation of RM1.06 billion.
Dr Azimah emphasised that the collapse was primarily a result of heavy downpours, not because of geographical location.
Prolonged or intense rainfall during the monsoon season increases river discharge, leading to higher water levels and stronger currents.
"The collapse of the Sungai Golok embankment can be influenced by heavy rainfall, exerting excessive pressure on the embankment and causing erosion, potentially resulting in structural failure," she explained.
Supporting her view is former Irrigation and Drainage Department's director-general Datuk Ir Nor Hisham Mohd Ghazali, who said that the embankment was not fully ready to function, hence the collapse.
"Certainly, the river currents and flow rates increase significantly during heavy rainfall. The flood barriers under the PLBS Golok at Sungai Golok are still in the process of construction and are not yet fully operational.
"These incomplete barriers certainly are not sufficiently prepared to handle the substantial flow of high floodwaters which led to the collapse," he said.
On another matter, Dr Azimah foresees that the restructuring of the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC) should be more focused on the objectives of environmental sustainability.
She said the government should review the current environmental policies and regulations to guide businesses and individuals in sustainable practices.
"These policies have to cover areas such as air and water quality, waste management, conservation, and renewable energy.
"It's important for governments to balance