Flood Mitigation System Aimed To Address Flash Flood Woes At Penang International Airport

PENANG – Malaysia Airports Holdings berhad (Malaysia Airports) is currently implementing a flood mitigation system at Penang International Airport to overcome flash flooding at the terminal caused by the overflowing of water from Sungai Nipah and Sungai Tiram into the terminal during heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Based on the data provided by Meteorological Department, the average reading for recorded rainfall at the airport area was between 50 to 60 mm per hour. This usually results in high volume of water in the two rivers especially during high tide. Apart from overflowing into the terminal, the high water volume also prevents the movement of surface water run-off from the airport area into the rivers. This had resulted in several flash flood incidents at the airport within the last year. 

The installation of the flood mitigation system involves the construction of an on-site detention (OSD) tank, together with its other components – a collection sump (CS) and catch pits. The works also involves the installation of connection pipes (CS to OSD) and submersible pumps. 

As the airport is situated in a low laying area, excess water during flash floods will be intercepted by this series of new collection sump drainage and subsequently stored in the OSD. The collected water will then be manually pumped out after the downstream water level at the two major rivers has receded.

Malaysia Airports is also working closely with the local authorities to ensure that proper drainage for the entire area is also looked into, including the silting (the removal of debris, sand and silt) of all the drainage system and the creation of a balancing pond outside of the airport, as a solution to contain the excess water flow from the higher surrounding areas during the heavy rain and high tide.

As the upgrading works are being carried out while the airport is operational, Malaysia Airports is making every effort to minimise disruption to airport operations and inconvenience to passengers.