MRL clarifies that not all floods related to the ECRL project, and pledges to mitigation steps

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has said that not all places impacted by flooding along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project alignment are attributable to the development.

In a statement issued today, MRL reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the project does not disturb existing water flow and that immediate mitigation measures will be adopted to mitigate flooding risk.

“MRL acknowledges the flooding in Kelantan and Terengganu due to heavy rains.” As the owner of the ECRL project, MRL will always take responsibility for any confirmed damage the project causes.

“Since the beginning of the construction, MRL has identified areas prone to flooding along the alignment and taken initial measures,” according to the statement.

Hydrology and hydraulics consultants studied the history of natural disasters like floods for the ECRL project.

According to technical data, some places in Kelantan and Terengganu are flood-prone.

In this regard, the ECRL project has provided an optimal design that considers technical elements, engineering values, and flood concerns in specific regions of the railway alignment.

“At the same time, the design of the alignment has taken into account the 100-year rainfall rate, the Climate Change Factor (CCF), as well as 20 percent land development as specified by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID),” according to the report.

It stated that waterway crossings, such as culverts, have been constructed to prevent significant floods upstream and downstream of the watercourse and that all of these plans have been submitted to DID for approval.

MRL stated that they frequently maintain the drainage system to prevent it from becoming clogged with sediment, debris, or vegetation. They also plant appropriate grass on the slopes along the alignment to help minimize soil erosion and improve water absorption, thereby minimizing flood hazards.

Meanwhile, MRL stated that it would continue to provide transportation and food supplies to flood victims at relief centers and mosques.