Automated Rapid Transit on trial. — Filepic
THe year inched to a close with Putrajaya making headlines as unexpected flash flood impacted city dwellers.
An hour-long downpour in the late afternoon of Dec 8 caused flash floods in Precinct 11 Zone 4A that partially submerged 20 vehicles in up to 1m-high water.
It was reported that heavy rain and rising water level upstream of Sungai Anak Gajah had blocked water flow in the low-lying area.
It caught the immediate attention of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who instructed Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) to instal a flood alert system, which is now operational.
Dr Zaliha is interested in green and sustainable future for the Federal Territories.
The flood alert system was fitted with a siren, and connected to the Putrajaya Command Centre, an integrated operation centre that monitored the city’s safety, security, traffic, information technology infrastructure and environmental sensors.
Now, residents and others would be warned of possible floods and could possibly move vehicles from affected areas.
In pursuit of Green City status in 2025, Dr Zaliha in October announced a strategic twin cities cooperation between Putrajaya and Shanghai with regards to sharing knowledge on smart city management.
She had met representatives from Shanghai Municipal People’s Government to learn about urban regeneration strategies adopted by China’s largest city in the redevelopment of residential, commercial and industrial areas by 2025 that were expected to impact its growth.
She was particularly interested in the implementation of Sponge City, a smart flood management strategy using advanced monitoring technology including underground sensors.
She was also interested in integrating green technology-urban planning for a more sustainable future, as well as implementing a detailed urban grid system where the city is divided into smaller areas monitored using CCTV technology and public database.
PPj was also focused on improving the public transportation system.
Community mediation centre in Precinct 5.
In February, it launched monthly passes for Nadi Putra bus services that would allow Malaysian commuters to enjoy unlimited rides for an affordable flat rate of RM30 or RM10 (for senior citizens, the disabled and school children).
Without the monthly pass, one bus ride would cost RM1.
To further improve public transportation, PPj collaborated with Transport Ministry to conduct a three-month trial of the Automated Rapid Transit trackless tram between May and July.
The tram should have started operations by year-end if all had gone well, but there has yet to be any news about its implementation.
Another beneficial service in Putrajaya was the newly opened community mediation centre in Precinct 5.
It serves as a dedicated place for assistance on community-related matters such as problems in residential areas and misunderstandings among neighbours.
The centre was set up by the National Unity and National Integration Department in collaboration with the property management division of the Prime Minister’s Department and PPj.
