PETALING JAYA: The Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu has been upgraded with a portable submersible water pump and generator, as the monsoon season hits the country.
In a statement today, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said it has geared up readiness and safety at all its airports ahead of the annual monsoon season by equipping them with flood mitigation measures.
MAHB’s group chief executive officer, Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, said the installation of the pump and generator at the Sultan Mahmud Airport complements the two existing pump houses already available at the airport.
“The Sultan Mahmud Airport has never been affected by floods before. Even during some of the worst flood situations Malaysia has seen, the airport has remained operational,” said Mohd Shukrie.
“Nevertheless, we are taking extra precautions to ensure that the airport’s essential services are not compromised.
“We have to be ready for all eventualities, and flood mitigation is part of our Airport Emergency Response plan.”
The annual north-east monsoon season happens between November and March, with the east coast states among the most affected.
Apart from the Sultan Mahmud Airport, airports at six other states that may be prone to floods have been identified and prepared with a customised Flood Emergency Response Plan. They are the Kota Bharu Airport, Kuantan Airport, Ipoh Airport, Alor Setar Airport, Penang International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
MAHB said the response plan would guide the airports in preparing and responding to possible cases of flooding.
Other measures include ensuring that the airports’ drainage systems are clear of debris at all times so that any excess water can quickly flow out of the airport area.