George Town flood pond upgrade worth RM6.3m to benefit nearly 40,000 residents

GEORGE TOWN, June 15 — The RM6.3 million S18 Flood Retention Pond and pump system upgrading project in the Timur Laut district is expected to benefit more than 39,550 residents in the George Town area. 

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) said the project is part of the government’s efforts to address flash floods in the area while reducing the risk of property damage. 

According to the ministry, the project, which is expected to be completed on June 19, involves upgrading three pump units, the pond structure, mechanical systems, and electrical supply, as well as desilting works to increase the pond’s capacity. 

“Increasing the capacity of the S18 Flood Retention Pond, which was built in 2007, is an urgent measure to support the city’s drainage system, as the existing pond structure, pump house, and related assets are ageing,” it said. 

The ministry said monsoon transitions and heavy rainfall exceeding the capacity of existing drainage systems have frequently triggered flash floods in the area. 

Earlier, Petra deputy minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad conducted a working visit to inspect the progress of the project.

Petra said it would continue to strengthen the implementation of water-related disaster mitigation projects nationwide to enhance resilience against the impacts of climate change while ensuring public safety and well-being. — Bernama