THE dam safety flying squad, in its inspection from 2021 to 2022, found that eight dams in country are damaged and could pose a threat to residents and properties.

The eight dams are the Muda and Ahning dams in Kedah, the Jor and Mahang dams in Perak, the Sultan Abu Bakar dam in Pahang, the Babagon dam in Sabah, the Bakun dam in Sarawak and the Kenyir dam in Terengganu.

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, in a statement today, said the inspection found high sediment formation in the reservoir, damage to instrumentation and water control equipment, seepage, damage to the integrity of concrete structures, soil erosion and signs of collapse.

The ministry said the cost of repair and maintenance for the eight dams is estimated at RM135.82 million and the dam owners need to provide a special provision for maintenance.

“As an interim measure, the federal government is willing to consider providing financial support to dam owners who do not have financial resources if there is an urgent need,” it said.

The ministry said it plans to continue the work of the flying squad to inspect other dams, especially those that are over 50 years old.

The flying squad is an ad-hoc body coordinated by the water supply division of the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry with members consisting of experts from various technical departments such as the Public Works Department, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority, the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience, as well as private parties.

The ministry said the dam inspection by the flying squad is based guidelines developed by the Irrigation and Drainage Department. – Bernama, October 2, 2023.