Tackling Malaysia’s Urban Flooding: The Importance of MSMA and On-Site Detention Design
In recent years, the intensity of storms has been rising across the globe, and Malaysia is no exception. Driven by the effects of global warming, the country is experiencing more frequent flash floods and stronger windstorms—often resulting in significant damage to property and tragic loss of life. And if you thought your last surprise birthday party was chaotic, wait until you meet a Malaysian flash flood!
What is MSMA Anyway?
To mitigate these growing threats, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Malaysia or JPS) has developed and published a comprehensive guideline known as the Manual Saliran Mesra Alam Malaysia (MSMA). It loosely translates to “Let’s Not Drown Malaysia.” Okay, not really, but it totally should!
The MSMA’s Key Strategies
Under current regulations, all drainage designs must comply with MSMA requirements. One of the key strategies outlined in the manual is control-at-source, which focuses on managing stormwater where it falls—before it becomes a flood risk. This includes:
- Installing On-Site Detention (OSD) systems
- Constructing detention basins or ponds for water collection
- Implementing green infrastructure like permeable pavements and rain gardens
Challenges: The Struggles of the Engineers
Now, if you think this sounds easy, think again! Implementing these solutions is not without challenges. Engineers in Malaysia often face practical obstacles such as:
- High construction and maintenance costs
- Limited land availability for detention infrastructure
- Technical complexities in design and compliance
Adding to the difficulty is the limited availability of local references, engineering tools, and reliable software for the design of OSD systems and detention basins. Think of it as trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded—while on a roller coaster!
Enter Ir. Dr. Quek Keng Hong!
That’s where the extraordinary Ir. Dr. Quek Keng Hong comes in. As a leading authority on MSMA, Dr. Quek has been conducting technical workshops on the subject since 2000. These sessions have trained thousands of engineers across Malaysia, offering practical, hands-on experience with MSMA-compliant design practices.
What’s in the Workshop for Engineers?
Participants in Dr. Quek’s workshops benefit from:
- Real-world case studies to apply design principles
- Step-by-step guidance using Excel-based spreadsheet templates
- In-depth training on erosion and sediment control planning (ESCP)
- Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for urban stormwater systems
These workshops are laptop-based and geared toward equipping engineers with the tools and knowledge needed to secure project approvals and meet compliance standards effectively. Spoiler alert: you don’t actually have to bring your own toolbox!
Want to Up-skill or Get Your Team Trained?
Why not seize the opportunity to level up your knowledge? Check out these links:
- ???? Upcoming Workshops: http://workshops.msmam.com/
- ???? Free MSMA Spreadsheets & Tools: http://drquekinternetmarketingconsultancy.com/Indication/get.php?id=msma1
So, remember, as we tackle Malaysia’s urban flooding challenges with the power of MSMA and on-site detention design, let’s do it with a sense of humor and an eye toward innovation. After all, who doesn’t want to be the superhero riding in on a wave of knowledge—and not the flood kind!
