ALOR SETAR, Aug 13 — Two sabo dams at the foot of Gunung Inas, Baling will be built as soon as possible to slow down the flow of water and block the flow of debris capable of causing catastrophic water surges in residential areas.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) will identify the location for the construction of the dams, which were also built at the foot of Gunung Jerai, Yan.
“In Gunung Inas, DID said that they want to build two sabo dams, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held as soon as possible for the construction of the first sabo dam to slow down the flow of water and prevent felled trees from affecting public areas,” he told reporters here today, when asked to comment on restorative measures for forest areas in Gunung Jerai damaged due to forest plantation activities and the debris flow that occurred on July 4.
He said the areas on the mountain damaged by the debris flow on the mountain would still channel water in the future even when rehabilitated by replanting forest trees.
He said the affected areas could be best protected by building a sabo dam to slow down water flow when it occurs.
Such occurrences were not limited to Gunung Inas but also happens in other areas, Muhammad Sanusi said.
“What has been cut down or logged, in 30 years will become a forest again, even in other places if the forest area has become a waterway, the landscape will remain the same,” he added.
The flood and debris flow disaster that occurred on July 4 claimed three lives, including a four-month pregnant woman, and affected 12 villages around Baling district.
