Rising Storm Intensities and the MSMA Solution in Malaysia
Hey there! If you’ve noticed more rain in Malaysia lately, you’re not imagining things. The intensity of storms is increasing globally, and our beautiful country is feeling the heat (or perhaps more appropriately, the rain!) Just how severe has it gotten, you ask? Let’s dive in!
The Increasing Intensity of Storms
As climate change rolls on, Malaysia is experiencing its fair share of severe weather patterns. We’re talking about:
- More frequent flash floods
- Stronger wind events
- Damage to properties and infrastructure
- Loss of life in extreme cases
This does not bode well for both urban environments and rural communities. So, what’s being done about it?
Enter MSMA: The National Guideline
The Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS) has stepped in with a national guideline called the Manual Saliran Mesra Alam Malaysia (MSMA), also known as the Urban Stormwater Drainage Design Procedure for Malaysia. This guideline aims to tackle the challenges posed by heavy storms through:
- Control-at-source measures
- Implementation of On-Site Detention (OSD) systems
- Construction of detention basins or ponds
Basically, the MSMA provides a roadmap for engineers to design drainage systems that can handle heavy rainfall without overwhelming our urban landscapes.
Why Compliance is Key
In Malaysia, it’s the law! Engineers designing drainage systems must follow the MSMA standards. But here’s the catch — implementing these measures can get tricky. Let’s break down some of the challenges they face:
- High construction costs
- Space constraints for land allocation
- Complex technical design issues
These hurdles make it essential to equip our engineers with the right tools and knowledge.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Despite the growing importance of these drainage designs, many engineers lack comprehensive resources, design tools, and specialized software to effectively implement OSD and detention systems. Thankfully, help is on the way!
Enter Ir. Dr. Quek Keng Hong! He’s been a champion of MSMA since 2000, conducting hands-on workshops that empower engineers with the right skills and knowledge to comply with the JPS standards.
What’s Covered in the Workshops?
Participants in these workshops walk away with practical skills training, which includes:
- Using real case studies to understand practical applications
- Working with Excel spreadsheet templates for OSD optimization
- Preparation of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP)
- Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modelling for urban drainage systems
Want to Know More?
If you’re an engineer looking to level up your skills in drainage design, you can find out more about upcoming workshops at: http://workshops.msmam.com/.
Plus, don’t forget to check out the free MSMA spreadsheets and tools available at: https://free1.msmam.com/.
For in-depth insights, you can read more about Detention Basins on Linkedin: https://social19.drquek.com and about On-Site Detention (OSD) on Medium: https://social20.drquek.com.
Final Thoughts
As we tackle the rising storm intensities together, taking proactive steps with the right guidelines like MSMA is crucial. With the right training and resources, our engineers can make a significant difference in how we manage stormwater in Malaysia. Let’s keep our homes and communities safe!
