PUTRAJAYA: Eight large dams have been found to have suffered damage which would incur a cost of about RM136 million for repairs and maintenance, the government said today.
The damage was discovered by a flying squad on dam safety, which carried out inspections from 2021 to 2022. There was high sediment formation in the reservoirs, damage to instruments and water control equipment, seepage, damage to the integrity of concrete structures, soil erosion and signs of collapse.
The ministry of natural resources, environment and climate change said the damage could pose a threat to residents and property in the event of failure.
The eight dams are the Muda and Ahning dams in Kedah, Jor and Mahang dams in Perak, Sultan Abu Bakar dam in Pahang, Babagon dam in Sabah, Bakun dam in Sarawak and Kenyir dam in Terengganu.
“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 the flying squad would inspect other dams, especially those more than 50 years old.
The flying squad consists of experts from various technical departments such as the public works department, the drainage and irrigation department, Tenaga Nasional, the Muda agricultural development authority, the National Water Research Institute and the department of minerals and geoscience as well as private parties.