JOHOR BAHRU — The flash floods in several areas in Johor's capital city on Wednesday (Dec 7) was due to exceptionally heavy rainfall and high tides.

State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the 1.30pm downpour on Wednesday, recorded an intensity of over 60mm, exceeding its usual range between 10mm and 20mm.

"Any readings exceeding the 60mm intensity are considered extremely heavy.

"The extraordinary additional water volume were unable to flow out due to the heavy rain combined with the high tide in the Johor Strait… although all pumps were operating to their full capacity.

"Immediate, short-term, and long-term actions had been taken to address the flash flood issue in the 'Greater JB' area involving the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG), Iskandar Puteri City Council, and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu)," he said.

Mr Mohd Jafni said that based on the flash floods on Wednesday, an enhanced guideline will be submitted to ensure new retention ponds projects in the state, will be able to accommodate excessive water volumes due to unprecedented heavy rainfall.

The new retention ponds will be able to accommodate up to 100mm of rainfall.

Within the state's special committee level, several issues involving drains, water channels, and retention ponds, including new projects, will be upgraded.

All future development, laying the foundation (of projects), will be based on a 100mm rainfall capacity.

He said that all future flood mitigation efforts will be suitable to accommodate 100mm rainfall, which is four times the capacity of the current drainage system.

Also present during the Floods Special Task Force meeting were State Works, Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli and Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad. NEW STRAITS TIMES