Zairil (left) and Mohd Nazri looking at the specifications of an upstream retention pond.
THE programme to address frequent flooding in Bayan Baru, Penang, which started last year will be completed in 2027.
Bayan Baru was selected for three sub-component projects within the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP).
The sub-component projects are the Blue-Green Corridor (Sungai Keluang Urban Biophilia), the Upstream Retention Pond, and the Swale and Infiltration Well (Lintang Nibong Upstream Retention Pond).
Think City, in collaboration with Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and UN-Habitat is leading this RM9.2mil initiative.
The project is fully funded by the World Bank’s Adaptation Fund (UN-Habitat) and is supported by the Penang state government and Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.
Buletin Mutiara reported that Bayan Baru was a rapidly growing area with promising economic potential and which faced persistent challenges including frequent flooding due to its lowland geomorphological conditions.
These issues prompted targeted intervention under the PNBCAP.
Between 2016 and 2023, the state DID reported 16 flood events in Bayan Baru, the highest frequency in the state.
Compounding the problem was the fact that many of the area’s piping systems were among the oldest in the state, limiting rainwater capacity and causing flash floods.
During a press conference at Amari SPICE Penang in Bayan Lepas, state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari highlighted the strategic importance of Sungai Keluang for green development despite the area’s reduced green space due to industrial growth.
“This was why Bayan Baru was chosen for this project, to create a balance in green development, aligning with the state government’s Penang2030 vision.
“The impact of the temperature reduction in the surface will be felt in the Sungai Keluang Urban Biophilia, improving air circulation, reducing air pollution, as well as reducing the effects of urban heat island,” said Zairil.
Also present at the press conference was Penang DID director Mohd Nazri Yasmin.
