Selangor: The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) emphasised that Selangor's disaster early warning system is being continuously enhanced, with ongoing efforts to strengthen its effectiveness. Its director-general Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib said Phase 2 of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB) in Selangor - which involves the installation of 280 stations - is now in its final stages of development and is expected to be fully completed by Oct 25.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department analysed 28 thunderstorm warnings issued by MetMalaysia between Sept 10 and 18 and generated detailed information on areas expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, which was shared at the state DID level. For the same period, the flood forecast model did not indicate any risk of flooding in Selangor, which explains why no flood warnings were widely issued in the state. Mohamad Radzi explained that this was in response to a local media report questioning the effectiveness of the disaster early warning system.
The department noted a statement by Selangor MCA regarding the early warning system's effectiveness following floods in several areas between Sept 10 and 15. Mohamad Radzi highlighted that the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN) provides real-time updates on river water levels and rainfall nationwide via the Public Info Banjir portal. This data is refreshed every 15 minutes and is accessible to the public, as well as shared with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) through the National Disaster Command Centre (NDCC).
In terms of preparedness, the hydrodynamic flood forecast model for Selangor's five main river basins - Sungai Bernam, Sungai Selangor, Sungai Buloh, Sungai Klang, and Sungai Langat - was completed on June 27. The siren system, part of Selangor PRAB Phase 2, includes 104 stations, with 16 in Gombak and Hulu Selangor connected to the Public Info Banjir platform, all of which were recorded to be in normal status between Sept 1 and 18.
Mohamad Radzi assured that the DID consistently ensures the functionality of all siren stations, with periodic maintenance conducted to maintain optimal operation. The department reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the disaster early warning system in collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders, remaining open to feedback to strengthen Selangor's resilience against natural disasters.