Penang’s first underground retention pond brings relief to jelutong
GEORGE TOWN: A long flood-prone stretch in Jelutong has finally found relief, with no flash floods recorded at Jalan Van Praagh since February following the completion of a RM5.7 million mitigation project.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project, anchored by the state’s first and largest underground retention pond, has effectively curbed flooding in the low-lying area, which previously experienced inundation up to three times a year.
“The main cause of flooding here is that water from the drainage system cannot flow into Sungai Jelutong when the river level is higher than the surrounding area, causing backflow and flooding,” he said during a site visit today.
Jalan Van Praagh and nearby roads have long been among the worst hit in Jelutong, with the wider area also affected during the devastating 2017 floods that submerged large parts of Penang.
Chow said the new system channels rainwater into the underground reservoir during heavy downpours, temporarily storing it before pumping it into Sungai Jelutong once river levels recede.
“As a flood mitigation method, this project has a design capacity. Under normal conditions, flash floods can be managed effectively, but every system has its limits.
“When a very large event occurs, it cannot accommodate such a volume of water,” he said.
The project forms part of broader flood mitigation efforts in the Solok Van Praagh area. Earlier phases included the construction of two retention ponds and upgrades to internal drainage systems.
The latest phase saw the development of the RM5.7 million underground reservoir, spanning about 2,200 sq m, designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff from the Sungai Pinang basin before controlled discharge.
Chow said feedback from residents indicated the project has, so far, prevented flooding in the area.
He added that the state remains responsible for addressing damage to homes caused during construction.
“Repair works are ongoing and will be completed. Every affected house has been recorded for defects,” he said.
The project benefits areas around Jalan Van Praagh, Solok Van Praagh and Jalan Hamilton, all previously prone to recurring flash floods.
