The SMART Tunnel has prevented an estimated RM4.94 billion in public property damage in Kuala Lumpur since opening in May 2007, according to ALR.
KUALA LUMPUR: The operation of the SMART Tunnel has successfully prevented damage to public property in the capital, estimated at RM4.94 billion, by diverting floodwaters since the infrastructure was opened to traffic in May 2007.
Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat (ALR) group chief executive officer Muhammad Nizam Alias said throughout its operational period, the three-kilometre tunnel has diverted 266.03 million cubic metres of floodwater across more than 685 incidents.
He noted that this unique infrastructure remains the only dual-purpose tunnel in the world specifically designed to both channel floodwaters and facilitate vehicular traffic flow into the city centre.
“When there is a need to divert floodwaters, we are able to perform that function, it is precisely for this reason that we have been able to save Kuala Lumpur’s city centre from being inundated by flash floods.
“Property valued at nearly RM5 billion has been saved as a result of the SMART Tunnel’s operation,” he told reporters following a special media briefing here today.
Addressing the flash floods that still occur in certain locations within the capital, Muhammad Nizam explained that these situations stem from the overflowing of rivers not covered by the tunnel system, such as the Gombak River.
“The public needs to understand which areas are covered by the SMART Tunnel. If heavy rain occurs in the Sungai Ampang and Sungai Klang areas (which are covered by the tunnel in question), the excess water will be diverted into the tunnel,” he said.
Regarding its dual-function operation, he noted that this presents a challenge, as it entails high operating costs to ensure that the watertight gates and water control gates remain secure and in good working order.
He emphasised that the primary priority of the SMART Tunnel is safety and flood management taking precedence over any potential loss in toll revenue should the tunnel require a full closure.
“I always stress to the SMART Tunnel team, do not dwell on the losses incurred from closing the highway. Our priority is to prevent flooding in Kuala Lumpur, because if a flood were to occur, the resulting damage costs would far exceed our operating expenses,” he said.
Muhammad Nizam said ALR is committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities and exercising prudent financial discipline by balancing operating expenditures against toll revenue including meeting *sukuk* (Islamic bond) obligations to safeguard the interests of the public and the nation.