UMP, Japanese firm to develop flood-mitigation technology
KUANTAN: Universiti Malaysia Pahang’s (UMP) Centre for Earth Resources Sustainability Centre (ERAS), together with Japanese firm Asahitechno Co Ltd Japan, has embarked on technologysharing collaboration in addressing flood problem in the state.
The cooperation also involved Universiti Yamaguchi, the state Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and Drainage and Irrigation Department.
UMP received RM130,000 grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to carry out researches led by ERAS’ director Associate Professor Dr Muzamir Hasan.
Muzamir said Asahitechno placed its faith on UMP due to its capabilities in terms of professionalism, skills and expertise shown in previous collaborations.
He said the latest venture would hopefully address the frequent floods in Pahang, especially Sungai Isap through the Super Well Point (SWP) technology.
“Our aim is to reduce the water level at the Sungai Isap retention pond prior to a downpour or whenever flood is forecasted.
“The project, which will be broken down to several phases, is expected to be completed by 2021 with the first phase study to be ready by March.
“The technology has the potential to address the issues faced in areas with high level of groundwater,” he told the New Straits Times Press yesterday.
He said equipment from Japan was being transported to Malaysia and was expected to arrive in January to facilitate the study.
“ERAS would host a mini symposium and demonstration to introduce the technology to government agencies and engineering firms involved (with the project).
“The community would benefit from the project which also included transfer of technology and innovation to the local manpower as agreed by both parties (UMP and Asahitechno) in the agreement signed on Oct 17,” he said.